By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-12-15 04:46:07 | Updated at 2024-12-15 07:55:39
3 hours ago
A drunk driver who admitted to crashing into and killing a bride on her wedding night has asked a judge to reduce her 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, plowed into Miller, 34, and her new husband Aric Hutchinson, 37, while the couple were riding on a golf cart following 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.
She was given 25 years for a reckless homicide charge, 15 years for two DUI involving great bodily injury charges and 10 years for a felony DUI charge, all to be served concurrently.
However, the condemned woman has now appealed to a South Carolina court to have her sentence reduced, Law & Crime reports.
Her lawyers argue that the length of jail time is, 'unwarranted and grossly disproportionate' compared to other cases in Lowcountry region, as well as 'neighboring jurisdictions'.
They also claim the judge failed to consider several mitigating factors, including that Komoroski owned up to her actions.
Drunk driver Jamie Lee Komoroski has now appealed to a South Carolina court to have her sentence reduced after pleading guilty to causing the death of newlywed Samantha Miller
Komoroski, 27, plowed into Samantha Miller, 34, and her new husband Aric Hutchinson, 37, while the couple were riding on a golf cart following their wedding reception
Analysis of similar cases in the area for felony DUI resulting in a death shows that sentences range from nine to 18 years in prison.
However, Komoroski's team showed that some involving multiple deaths resulted in sentences as low as six years.
Her attorneys concede that, 'the gravity of the offense was severe' but claim that the judge failed to consider several mitigating aspects, such as her lack of criminal history and guilty pleas.
They argued that Komoroski had shown, 'unequivocal acceptance of responsibility for her actions' and had a known struggle with alcohol abuse.
They claim that her 'genuine expressions of remorse' and her 'rehabilitative potential' should also be taken into account among other factors.
The lawyers also blamed the intense media scrutiny on the case for the sentence handed out.
Unlike Ms. Komoroski, all similarly charged defendants received some type of sentence credit for pleading guilty, saving the State and victim- family members from the emotional difficulty and trauma of a contested jury trial,' the motion reads.
'These other cases likely did not garner the same degree of media attention; however, the significant media interest cannot serve as an aggravating factor justifying a longer sentence.'
The car and the golf cart involved in the deadly bridal party crash sitting in the lot of a towing company
Komoroski was sentenced to 25 years behind bars. She got 25 years for a reckless homicide charge, to 15 years for two DUI involving great bodily injury charges and 10 years for a felony DUI charge to be served concurrently
At sentencing, Komoroski made a direct and emotional appeal to Miller's family.
'On the night of April 22, 2023, I chose 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. Due to my poor decisions a beautiful wife, sister and mother was taken... all I can say is how incredibly remorseful I am.'
Komoroski apologized to the family and said she will always be embarrassed by her actions.
'I want them to know how sorry I am for 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 strike a plea deal, meaning the judge did not have to show her leniency for sparing Miller's family a trial.
She was driving at a shocking speed of 65 mph at the time of the crash. Her blood-alcohol content was reportedly three times the legal limit at the time of the crash.
Despite expressing her remorse to the couple's family, Komoroski has now argued that the judge failed to account for several mitigating factors at sentencing
Miller tragically died at the scene of the crash - just hours after she exchanged vows with Hutchinson - still wearing her wedding dress.
Hutchinson, who survived the crash, suffered two broken legs, extensive facial fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.
