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Jamie Lee Komoroski: Charges, Settlement, and Upcoming Trial in Fatal Charleston DUI Case

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, faces serious charges in connection with a tragic DUI accident that claimed the life of Samantha Hutchinson, a newlywed bride, and left her husband, Aric Hutchinson, critically injured. The incident occurred on April 28, 2023, in Folly Beach, South Carolina, when Komoroski allegedly crashed her vehicle into the golf cart carrying the couple just hours after their wedding ceremony.

What Happened

According to the Charleston Police Department, Komoroski was allegedly driving at 65 miles per hour in a 25-mph zone when her car slammed into the golf cart in which Samantha and Aric Hutchinson were riding. Samantha Hutchinson, the bride, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Aric Hutchinson sustained critical injuries.

Authorities later reported that Komoroski had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.261%, more than three times the legal limit. Witnesses described Komoroski as intoxicated and unsteady, and police reported that she refused field sobriety tests following the crash.

Charges and Bail

Komoroski was initially held without bail on charges of reckless vehicular homicide and three counts of felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury or death. After months in custody, she was granted bail on September 8, 2023, set at $150,000. As part of her bail conditions, she is required to remain under house arrest, wear an electronic monitoring device, and avoid alcohol.

Trial Date

Chief Administrative Judge Deadra Jefferson of the 9th Circuit signed an order on October 30 to summon an additional 300 jurors for jury selection in the case against Jamie Lee Komoroski, scheduled for the first week of December. This will double the number of jurors summoned during an earlier trial week this month. Jamie Lee Komoroski is scheduled to face trial soon. Prosecutors are expected to present evidence showing her level of intoxication and the excessive speed at which she was driving at the time of the crash. Given the gravity of the charges, Komoroski could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.

Settlement for Aric Hutchinson

In the aftermath of the crash, Aric Hutchinson filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Komoroski and several bars and restaurants that allegedly served her alcohol on the night of the accident. Hutchinson claimed that these establishments over-served Komoroski, contributing to the tragic events that followed. Recently, Hutchinson won a substantial settlement, though the exact amount has not been publicly disclosed. This settlement aims to provide some financial relief to Hutchinson as he recovers from his injuries and copes with the loss of his wife.

A Tragic Reminder

This case has drawn significant media attention and has become a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. Community members and advocates for stricter DUI laws are closely following Komoroski’s case, hoping for justice for the Hutchinson family and greater awareness of the consequences of drunk driving.

CC News Network Coverage

CC News Network will continue to follow this story closely as Jamie Lee Komoroski’s trial approaches. Stay tuned for updates on the proceedings, as well as any developments in the settlement and impact statements from the Hutchinson family.

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