A driver under the influence of alcohol has confessed to causing a fatal accident that claimed the life of a South Carolina bride on her wedding night, a year after the initial tragedy.
Samantha Miller's bride, Jamie Komoroski, was given a 25-year prison sentence for the DUI crash that killed her on their wedding night.
A South Carolina woman who was accused of killing a bride in a DUI crash on her wedding night in April pleaded guilty as her trial was about to start on Monday.
The trial of Jamie Komoroski, 27, who was over three times the legal limit when she crashed into a golf cart carrying newlyweds Samantha Miller, 34, and her groom, Aric Hutchinson, 36, on their wedding night, killing Miller, will begin with jury selection.
Komoroski was sentenced to 25 years in prison by a judge after pleading guilty to one count of felony DUI, two counts of DUI causing great bodily injury or death, and one count of reckless homicide, according to WCSC.
Komoroski admitted guilt, was not coerced into doing so, and voluntarily waived a jury trial when asked about her guilty plea.
"Hutchinson, after the sentencing, stated to WCSC, "I believe the punishment was appropriate for the crime committed. Although I think she's sorry, it doesn't change the fact that Sam and my wife are not here, and our family and injuries are still present. It will take time to heal.""
On April 28, 2023, Komoroski was driving 65 mph in a 25 mph zone and crashed into Miller and her husband as they were leaving their reception in Folly Beach, South Carolina.
Hutchinson sustained multiple broken bones in his face, brain injuries, and two broken legs, while Miller passed away from her injuries.
On Monday, Hutchinson and Miller's family testified in court about the emptiness left by Komoroski.
Komoroski was asked by Hutchinson, "Have you ever vowed to safeguard your wife, neglected her needs, and then lost her shortly after?"
Hutchinson recalled how she didn't want the night to end, so she kissed her on the forehead. The next thing she remembered was waking up in the hospital.
During the wedding reception, Lisa Miller, the mother of the deceased bride, hugged her daughter for the last time, just hours before the fatal crash.
The judge saw fit for her choices, and Komoroski addressed the Miller and Hutchinson families, stating her readiness to receive whatever punishment was deemed appropriate.
""I deeply regret my actions and will forever bear the guilt and responsibility for them," Komoroski stated."
In June, a South Carolina judge approved a $1.3 million settlement for the victims' families in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Hutchinson against Komoroski.
The lawsuit claims that Komoroski's "alcohol-fueled bar-hopping spree" on that day placed an obligation on the establishments she visited to "exercise caution" when serving alcoholic beverages.
The rental car company and the bars that Komoroski frequented prior to the crash will be held liable for the seven-figure settlement.
After settling with Hutchinson, several businesses named in the lawsuit will receive $863,000 after fees, WCSC reported.
Danny Dalton, Hutchinson's lawyer, stated that the amount was less than expected because of an ongoing estate dispute between Hutchinson and the deceased bride's mother, who has questioned the legality of their marriage.
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