A DRUNK driver convicted over the death of a new bride admitted she would carry guilt for the rest of her life – moments before being sentenced.
Jamie Lee Komoroski was hit with a 25-year prison sentence after pleading guilty on the first day of her trial.
In April 2023, Komoroski was driving with a blood alcohol level that was three times higher than the legal limit when she crashed into a golf cart. The cart was transporting newly married couple Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson.
Miller, 34, had been married for just five hours when tragedy struck in Folly Beach, South Carolina.
Komoroski’s car smashed into the buggy that Miller and Hutchinson were traveling in.
According to police, Komoroski was not cooperative in the immediate aftermath of the crash.
But, she pled guilty to the charges leveled against her and was seen sobbing in court on Monday.
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she awaited sentencing.
Moments before being sentenced, Komoroski addressed Miller’s family.
“This is the worst decision I have ever made in life, and it has affected the lives of so many,” she said.
“I take full responsibility for the tragic outcome that my decisions have made.
“I will carry this guilt for me for the rest of my life.”
She also admitted she was “deeply ashamed and sorry.”
Miller’s family shared emotional statements during the court hearing.
Devastated mom, Lisa, said the family had been “sentenced to a lifetime of pain.”
Miller’s dad, Brad Warner, told Komoroski she had ruined lives.
Jamie Lee Komoroski trial
Jamie Lee Komoroski pled guilty to charges in connection with the death of newlywed Samantha Miller. Miller was killed after tying the knot in April 2023.
Komoroski’s charge sheet in full:
- Felony DUI resulting in death – sentence: 25 years
- Two counts of DUI causing great bodily injury or death – sentence: 15 years
- Reckless homicide – sentence: 10 years
“For the rest of my life, I’m going to hate you,” he said.
“And when I arrive in hell, and you come there, I’m going to open the gate for you.”
Footage has since been released showing what turned into Hutchinson’s and Miller’s final moments together.
The two were sitting on the back of a golf cart and were beaming,
Hutchinson noted how there were people behind the cart, and the couple shared two kisses.
He was hospitalized with severe injuries but survived the crash.
He revealed that he now sees doctors and therapists in light of what transpired.
“I wish he died that night. I wish I had seen it coming,” Hutchinson told the court.
The golf buggy was hurled 100 yards after the impact smash.
I take full responsibility for the tragic outcome that my decisions have made.
Jamie Lee Komoroski
Police said Komoroski smelled of alcohol, but she reportedly told officers she had only drunk a beer and a tequila, according to court docs seen by the NBC affiliate WCBD-TV.
Komoroski refused to do a sobriety test and was uncooperative, according to police.
Cops also asked her how drunk she felt, to which she replied an eight out of 10.
Komoroski was not injured in the crash.
Hutchinson recalled how Miller had told him she didn’t want the night to end.
KILLER’S ‘REMORSE’
Benjamin Garrett, who was driving the golf buggy, was also injured.
He spoke about his regret that he didn’t get Miller and her husband to where they were staying.
“It was my only job, and I didn’t get to complete it.”
Komoroski pled guilty to one count of felony DUI as well as two counts of DUI causing great bodily injury or death.
She also pled guilty to a charge of reckless homicide.
Hutchinson said he believes Komoroski’s remorse but told how his family has to come to terms with Miller’s death.
“I do think she’s sorry,” he said.
“However, that doesn’t change the fact that Sam’s not here, my wife’s not here, the family we planned, all of our injuries.”
