A drunk driver who admitted hitting and killing a bride on her wedding night asked a judge to reduce his sentence.
Jamie Lee Komoroski was ordered to spend 25 years behind bars after pleading guilty to causing the death of newlywed Samantha Miller.
Komoroski, 27, crashed into Miller, 34, and her new husband, Aric Hutchinson, 37, while the couple was riding in a golf cart after their wedding reception.
At her sentencing, Komoroski said she was “devastated, deeply ashamed and terribly sorry” for her actions, which also left Hutchinson seriously injured.
He was given 25 years for one count of reckless homicide, 15 years for two counts of DUI involving charges of serious bodily injury and 10 years for one count of felony DUI, all of which were to be served concurrently.
However, the convicted woman has now appealed to a South Carolina court to have her sentence reduced. Law and crime information.
His attorneys argue that the length of the prison sentence is “unjustified and grossly disproportionate” compared to other cases in the Lowcountry region, as well as “neighboring jurisdictions.”
They also claim the judge failed to take into account several mitigating factors, including the fact that Komoroski acknowledged his actions.
Drunk driver Jamie Lee Komoroski has appealed to a South Carolina court to have her sentence reduced after pleading guilty to causing the death of newlywed Samantha Miller.
Komoroski, 27, crashed into Samantha Miller, 34, and her new husband, Aric Hutchinson, 37, while the couple was riding in a golf cart after their wedding reception.
Analysis of similar cases in the area for serious DUI offenses resulting in death shows that sentences range from nine to 18 years in prison.
However, Komoroski’s team showed that some cases involving multiple deaths resulted in sentences as low as six years.
His lawyers admit that “the seriousness of the crime was serious,” but claim that the judge did not take into account several mitigating aspects, such as the lack of criminal history and guilty pleas.
They argued that Komoroski had demonstrated “an unequivocal acceptance of responsibility for his actions” and had a known struggle with alcohol abuse.
They claim that his “genuine expressions of remorse” and his “potential for rehabilitation” should also be taken into account, among other factors.
The lawyers also attributed the sentence handed down to intense media scrutiny of the case.
Unlike Ms. Komoroski, all defendants with similar charges received some form of sentence credit for pleading guilty, saving the State and the victim’s family members from the emotional hardship and trauma of a contested jury trial, ‘ reads the motion.
‘These other cases probably did not attract the same degree of media attention; However, the significant media interest cannot serve as an aggravating factor justifying a longer sentence.’
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Komoroski was sentenced to 25 years in prison. She received 25 years for one count of reckless homicide, 15 years for two counts of DUI involving serious bodily injury charges and 10 years for one count of felony DUI that were served concurrently.
In handing down the sentence, Komoroski made a direct and emotional appeal to Miller’s family.
“On the night of April 22, 2023, I decided to drink and drive, which resulted in the death of Samantha Miller,” Komoroski told the court.
‘This is the worst decision I have ever made in my life. Because of my bad decisions, I was taken away from a beautiful wife, sister and mother… all I can say is how incredibly sorry I am.’
Komoroski apologized to the family and said she will always be ashamed of her actions.
‘I want you 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,” she said.
Komoroski did not reach a plea deal, meaning the judge did not have to show leniency to spare Miller’s family a trial.
She was driving at a shocking speed of 65 mph at the time of the accident. His blood alcohol content was reportedly three times the legal limit at the time of the accident.
Despite expressing remorse to the couple’s family, Komoroski has now argued that the judge failed to take into account several mitigating factors when handing down the sentence.
Miller tragically died at the scene of the accident, just hours after exchanging vows with Hutchinson, still in her wedding dress.
Hutchinson, who survived the crash, suffered two broken legs, extensive facial fractures and traumatic brain injuries.