Newly-released security footage shows the moment accused drunk driver Jamie Komoroski smashed into South Carolina newlyweds, Aric and Samantha Hutchinson, shortly after their wedding reception in Folly Beach.
The footage, obtained by DailyMail, was captured on April 28 at around 10:11 p.m. The newlyweds, along with two other people, were traveling the speed limit down the 1200 block of E. Ashley Avenue. Within minutes, a car reportedly driven by 25-year-old Komoroski is seen speeding down the same road.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Samantha was pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m., while Aric and others in the LSV were taken to the hospital with injuries. The bride and groom were only a few blocks away from home when tragedy struck. They were seated in the back of the LSV with others in the front.
Police said that a blood test revealed that Komoroski had a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .261, which is over three times the legal limit in the state. She’s also accused of driving up to 65 mph in a 25mph zone.
Komoroski, according to police, became uncooperative following the crash and claimed she only had a few drinks, while refusing a sobriety test. She claimed she “only briefly hit the brakes” before hitting the LSV, investigators said, according to the Times Union.
Folly Beach Public Safety Department Director Andrew Gilreath said that the LSV, which is similar to a golf cart, was legal to drive on the road and had its light on when struck.
Meanwhile, Aric Hutchinson filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Charleston County earlier this month, at the Ninth Judicial Circuit. He alleges that Komoroski was grossly negligent and reckless, resulting in Samantha’s death.
The lawsuit includes Hutchinson’s brother-in-law, Benjamin Garrett, along with his wife Alexis Garrett, and their 17-year-old son Brogan, as plaintiffs. According to the lawsuit, Benjamin Garrett was operating the LSV with his son seated beside him, when Komoroski smashed into them.
Komoroski is facing charges of negligent homicide and DUI involving death. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Hutchinson couple/Handout]
