Driver accused of fatally striking Gaudreau brothers pleads not guilty
Man accused of hit-and-run that killed Gaudreau brothers pleads not guilty
Sean Higgins appeared before a Salem County judge for the first time since a grand jury indicted him on charges including reckless vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter in connection to the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
SALEM, N.J. - The man accused of the hit-and-run that killed the Gaudreau brothers was in the Salem County Courthouse pleading not guilty Tuesday.
Sean Higgins, wearing a green jumpsuit, appeared before a Salem County judge for the first time since a grand jury indicted him on charges including reckless vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter in connection to the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
The brothers’ parents were sitting in the front row in the courtroom as the entire family continues to grapple with the devastating loss.
The hit-and-run happened on August 29th when NHL player Johhny and his brother Matthew were fatally struck while riding bikes in Oldmans Township.
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New details on man accused of killing Gaudreau brothers
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Police body-worn camera video shows Higgins undergoing a sobriety test before he’s placed in handcuffs.
"How much have you had to drink today?" a police officer asks in the video.
"I mean, I’ve been drinking beers, but I didn’t have one in two hours," Higgins replied.
Investigators also accused Higgins of discarding various items considered evidence.
The Gaudreau brothers were in town to attend their sister Katie’s wedding, who, four months later, has shared in video and in writing, "2024 I hate you. You went from what should have been the best year of my life to the worst."
Matthew’s wife, Madeline, also posted on Instagram last week after giving birth to their first child named Tripp, writing "Mommy and Daddy’s world."
Johnny’s wife, Meredith, is also expecting their third child later this year.
In a statement, Higgins’ lawyer said:
"While this case has garnered significant media attention, it is essential to remember that our client is presumed innocent until proven guilty. We believe that the facts of this case will reveal that this tragedy was not the result of any malfeasance but rather a combination of uniquely unfortunate circumstances unlikely to ever occur again."
Back in court, prosecutors are offering Higgins an initial plea offer of 35 years in prison in exchange for pleading guilty to the aggravated manslaughter charges and for leaving the scene.
Higgins’ lawyers say they need additional time to fully review the details of this case, including the grand jury transcript, before a plea can be considered.
Higgins is due back in court February 4th.