01 August 2023 , 14:53
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A suspected drink driver accused of tragically killing a newlywed bride on her wedding day has been denied bail, as a judge rules she is a potential 'flight risk' and danger to the community.
The judge said that if the state does not take the case to trial by March 2024, Jamie Komoroski will be granted bond at that time. Judge Michael Nettles said in that case Komoroski would be subject to a $150,000 surety bond, electronic monitoring and house arrest in the Charleston area.
Appearing in court virtually, Komoroski looked worried and stressed, appearing to fidget nervously as she waited to hear Judge Nettles' decision. She appeared virtually from the Charleston County jail, where she has been incarcerated since April 28 after her arrest.
Komoroski was wearing a strike prison jumpsuit, and could be seen sobbing heavily at times, dabbing her eyes with tissues. From her side, she could only see the judge behind his bench, and hear attorneys and families who spoke during the hearing.
Informing the courtroom of his decision, Judge Nettles said: "After considering all of the facts and circumstances in this matter, I do indeed find the defendant is a risk of flight and a danger to the community, and I am going to deny bond.
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"However, the state has until March of 2024 to try this case. If that does not take place, the defendant is to be released on $150,000 surety bond, she will be subjected to electronic monitoring and house arrest. She's only to leave her home for a medical emergency or a prior order of the court.
The suspect reportedly sobbed in jail (Folly Beach Police)
Jamie said her life "was going to be over" (Jamie Komoroski/Instagram)"She will also be required to wear a SCRAM monitor which monitors the alcohol through a sensor - it is a fairly sophisticated device and virtually impossible to tamper with. The defendant must maintain residence in Charleston County and there's a prohibition of driving and she must surrender her passport."
Judge Nettles said it was a "very tragic situation for all concerned". He asked those involved to work with the administrative judge in order to move the trial forward as he thinks "it would give closure for everybody".
Komoroski’s attorneys filed a motion on May 19 that says she poses no flight risk or danger to the community. It requested bond be set at $100,000 with conditions that include attending an inpatient rehabilitation program, remaining supervised by her mother and having no access to a vehicle or alcohol.
Samantha Miller and groom, Aric Hutchinson, on their wedding day (GoFundMe)Komoroski, 25, was charged with vehicular homicide and three counts of felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury in the April 28 crash at Folly Beach that killed Samantha Miller, 34, and injured the groom, Aric Hutchinson.
A toxicology report showed Komoroski had a blood alcohol level of 0.261 and authorities have said she was driving well over twice the speed limit when she slammed into the back of a golf cart as it left the wedding reception.
Members of the Miller and Hutchinson families were present in the packed courtroom, seated opposite each other in the front rows of the gallery. Samantha's mum, dad, brother and sister all made emotional speeches about their loss as they urged the judge to keep Komoroski behind bars.
Sam and Aric dancing at their wedding (Michael D Peifer/Facebook)
Sam and Aric during their beach wedding (Michael D Peifer/Facebook)Komoroski's attorney, Chris Gramiccioni then spoke to the judge and court, citing the state's constitution and Black's Law Dictionary as he argued for her to be granted bail. If she had been released, a bed in an alcohol recovery centre was waiting for Komoroski.
Judge Nettles also said in his decision that Komoroski is to be "commended in recognising her alcoholism", but said: "In my opinion rehab would be most effective at the conclusion of this matter."
He continued: "If tried and found not guilty rehabilitation would certainly be an order, if convicted she could take advantage of the addiction treatment unit while incarcerated in the Department of Corrections."
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Her parents also spoke, extending their condolences to the victims' families, though they did not turn toward them across the courtroom.
Data retrieved from Jamie Lee Komoroski’s rental car indicated she was driving 65 mph (105 kph) and only briefly hit the brakes before she hit the golf cart around 10 pm on that day on Folly Beach, investigators said. The speed limit on the island near Charleston is 25 mph (40 kph).
“The personal characteristics of Jamie Lee Komoroski, coupled with her strong family support and ties to the community, heavily counsel in favor of her release from custody,” the motion said. It also stated that Komoroski has struggled for years with alcohol dependence, depression and anxiety.
“Jamie, with the support of her family, is committed and prepared to engage in intense, inpatient substance abuse and mental health rehabilitation immediately upon her release,” the motion says.
Mr Hutchinson filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Komoroski on May 17. The lawsuit alleges Komoroski had a “booze-filled day of bar hopping” and the establishments she visited that day had an obligation to “exercise due care” in serving alcoholic beverages.
In addition to Komoroski, the lawsuit names Snapper Jacks, The Drop-In Bar and Deli, The Crab Shack, Taco Boy, El Gallo Bar and Grill, and Bottle Cap Holdings, LLC.