A drunk driver who killed a bride on her wedding night has made a controversial demand after being sentenced.
Aric Hutchinson and his newly-wedded wife Samantha Miller had left their reception in Folly Beach, South Carolina, in a golf cart when Jamie Lee Komoroski, who was highly intoxicated at the time, struck the vehicle in April 2023 at 65mph.
Miller tragically lost her life, while Hutchinson was left seriously injured and sustained a brain injury as a result of the collision.
Komoroski pleaded guilty to two counts of felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury earlier this month, as well as one count each of felony DUI resulting in death and reckless homicide resulting in death.
She was sentenced the same day, with Komoroski being handed 25 years for DUI causing Samantha’s death, as well as 15 years for DUI causing Hutchinson’s injuries and 10 years for reckless homicide.
The driver will serve her sentences concurrently.
Attorneys for Kormoroski are urging Ninth Judicial Circuit Judge Deadra L. Jefferson to reconsider the verdict, stating her upcoming prison stint is ‘unwarranted and grossly disproportionate’.
Her legal team say this relates to similar crimes committed in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.
Law & Crime reports a canvass of sentences for felony DUI resulting in death in the same court sees sentences ranging from nine to 18 years in jail.
Komoroski’s attorneys acknowledge ‘the gravity of the offense was severe’, but say a number of mitigating factors such as the guilty plea haven’t been taken into consideration when it comes to the sentencing.
Komoroski broke down in tears as she received her sentence this month and even stood up and gave a statement to the court.
She said: “On the night of April 22, 2023, I chose to drink and drive, which resulted in the death of Samantha Miller.
“This is the worst decision I have ever made in my life.
“Due to my poor decisions, a beautiful wife, sister, and daughter was taken. All I can say is how incredibly remorseful I am.”
She continued: “I want them to know how sorry I am from the bottom of my heart and that I take full responsibility for my actions.
“I will always be devastated, deeply ashamed, and terribly sorry for what I have done.”
Hutchinson was also in attendance, and gave an emotional speech as he recalled the heartbreaking details about his wife’s final words to him.
