Lawyers representing the driver accused of killing a bride on her wedding day in North Carolina have called on the public to withhold judgment, asserting that all facts will come to light in court.
Samantha Miller, 34, was killed in a car accident as she and her husband Aric Hutchinson, 36, left their wedding reception.
Jamie Komoroski, 25, the driver of the vehicle that crashed into the golf cart the couple was riding on, has been charged with one count of reckless vehicular homicide and three counts of felony driving under the influence (DUI) resulting in death and/or great bodily injury.
Hutchinson was left with multiple injuries, including two broken legs, broken bones in his face, broken vertebrae in his back, brain bleeds, and numerous cuts requiring stitches.
He has now woken up and had to start the heartbreaking task of planning his wife’s funeral along with her family. The tragedy has raised more than $700,000 on GoFundMe to pay for Miller’s funeral costs.
In a statement, attorneys Nathan S. Williams and Christopher S. Gramiccioni expressed their sympathies for the families of the victims and called for a fair and impartial court proceeding. “We cannot fathom what the families are going through and offer our deepest sympathies. We simply ask that there not be a rush to judgment. Our court system is founded upon principles of justice and mercy, and that is where all facts will come to light.”
Hutchinson’s mother Annette set up the GoFundMe campaign, which has garnered widespread support from the community. She shared in an update that Miller “was everything to my son and changed him for the better. She could light up a room with her presence and had an ease about her. They shared many hopes and dreams for their future, including children and building a house.”
The update also revealed that Hutchinson is recovering physically at home while still trying to come to terms with his wife’s passing.
The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received, saying, “We wish to thank everyone who has given us hope through thoughtful words of encouragement and generous donations. Also, the communities of support in Folly Beach, James Island, Charleston, South Carolina, and back home in Utah, who are helping us get through this a day at a time. Our hearts go out to the first on the scene, first responders, the police, and all the staff at MUSC hospital; we are forever changed by the love we have received.”
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing their condolences and offering support for the grieving families.
