The groom whose bride was killed on their wedding day has become embroiled in a legal battle with his mother-in-law.
Back in April of this year, bride Samantha Miller, 34, was killed at the scene in while groom, Aric Hutchinson, 36, was left critically injured after alleged drunk driver Jamie Komoroski, 25, hit the wedding party’s golf cart.
The newlyweds had tied the knot on Folly Beach in what was meant to be the happiest day of the lives but everything changed forever when they were hit by the vehicle alleged to be travelling at 65mph in a 25mph zone.
Charleston County Coroner confirmed that Miller died due to blunt force injuries while Hutchinson was treated for his injuries in hospital.
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Komoroski currently stands accused of causing the death of Samantha and has been indicted on four felony counts.
Following his wife's death, Hutchinson assumed control of his wife’s estate, but this has since been disputed by his mother-in-law, Lisa Miller, who has filed a petition to remove him as the personal representative.
She even cited 'issues of potential fraud' and 'conflicts of interests'.
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Explaining her legal decisions, she told the Post and Courier: "Aric and I agreed several times that Sam would want us to do everything together given we’re the two most important people in her life.
"I never wanted to challenge the validity of the marriage. I never wanted to dishonour Sam. But I feel like Aric is dishonouring my daughter in going against her wishes."
The mother-in-law also claimed that Hutchinson's legal team had been preventing her from getting her share of the inheritance.
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However, his lawyers have since refuted such claims, with attorney Patrick Wooten telling the outlet: "Aric has been more than generous with Lisa Miller — offering her half of the money — and she has repaid him by threatening to bring a frivolous challenge to the validity of his marriage to Sam.
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"One would hope that Ms. Miller would have too much respect for her own daughter to do that."
Wooten added: "Aric has made this settlement offer not because Lisa Miller had a valid legal claim — she does not — but rather because he is a generous person and, of course, would prefer to avoid painful, public litigation over the validity of his marriage to Sam."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Rhiannon Ingle