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Topics: News
Claire Reid
The lawyers for the woman accused of drunk driving and killing newlywed Samantha Hutchinson and hospitalising groom Aric Hutchinson on their wedding day have urged people not to 'rush to judgement’.
Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, is accused of being drunk behind the wheel of her rented Toyota Camry, allegedly travelling at 65mph in a 25mph zone, and rear-ending the golf cart that was carrying the newlyweds who had been married at Folley Beach, South Carolina.
Officials said that Komoroski slammed her car into the back of the couple’s golf cart on 28 April - just hours after they got married - causing to roll over several times before coming to a stop 100-yards away.
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Folly Beach Public Safety Department Director Andrew Gilreath has said that the golf cart the bride and groom were driving had lights, and was legal to drive at night.
Thirty-four-year-old Samantha was declared dead at the scene.
Her 36-year-old new husband Aric was rushed to hospital after sustaining a brain injury and several broken bones. He has since undergone two surgeries and has now been released from hospital to begin the road to recovery at home.
Komoroski arrested and charged with three counts of DUI involving death or serious bodily injury and reckless homicide.
According to arrest affidavit, she told officers that she had downed a bottle of tequila and a beer just one hour before the crash, as reported by WCBD.
Following her arrest, she hired lawyers Nathan S. Williams and Christopher S. Gramiccioni to defend her.
In a statement to the Post & Courier, the lawyers said: “We cannot fathom what the families are going through and offer our deepest sympathies.
“We simply ask that there not be a rush to judgement. Our court system is founded upon principles of justice and mercy and that is where all facts will come to light.”
In a heartbreaking interview, Samantha's mother, Lisa Miller, revealed the final words of the bride before she was tragically killed.
Speaking to WCIV, Lisa said: "On the beginning of the golf car ride, [Samantha] said, ‘I wish this night could go on forever.’
"The best night of her life," the devastated mum continued.
In the same interview, Lisa revealed the incredible treat that her daughter had for her at the wedding.
“They announced a surprise dance for the most important person in Sam's life,” she said.
“Which was me and we danced to Bruno Mars. ‘Just The Way You Are’. That's our song."