State Lays Out Plea Deal for Sean Higgins in Gaudreau Brothers’ Deaths
Higgins Enters Not Guilty Plea in Court
Sean Higgins, the man accused of being drunk when his car struck and killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew as they biked near their South Jersey hometown the night before their sister’s wedding, has entered a not guilty plea in court.
Higgins, 34, was flanked by his attorneys as they appeared in front of Judge Michael Silvanio in a packed Salem County courtroom on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, for a post-indictment arraignment.
Plea Deal Offered
During the hearing, which lasted less than five minutes, Higgins’ attorney, Matthew Portella, said they had reviewed the six-count indictment filed last month with their client and entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
The state of New Jersey offered Higgins a plea deal that would keep him jailed for 35 years, with 15 years for each of the two counts of aggravated manslaughter and five years for leaving the scene of a deadly crash.
Accusations
Prosecutors alleged that Higgins struck and killed the Gaudreau brothers on August 29, 2024, in Oldmans Township, Salem County, then proceeded to drive his SUV another quarter mile down the road before coming to a stop. Once stopped, prosecutors alleged that Higgins discarded several items of evidence when he got out of the car.
Evidence
Michael Mestern, of the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, summarized the accusations against Higgins, including that he struck and killed the Gaudreau brothers and proceeded to drive his SUV another quarter mile down the road before coming to a stop. Once stopped, prosecutors alleged that Higgins discarded several items of evidence when he got out of the car.
Higgins’ Attorneys
Portella and his co-counsel, Richard Klineburger III, of the law firm Klineberger & Nussey, said they had reviewed the six-count indictment with Higgins and entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Upcoming Court Date
Silvanio set a February 4, 2025, court date to discuss some of the issues in the case.
Background
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother, Matthew, 29, were set to serve as groomsmen at their sister’s wedding, scheduled for Friday, August 30, 2024, in nearby Philadelphia. The brothers were cycling on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township on August 29, 2024, when the crash occurred.
Investigation
Police said the striking driver, Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. The Gaudreaus were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation Findings
Higgins told a responding officer he had five or six beers prior to the crash and admitted to consuming alcohol while driving, according to the criminal complaint obtained by The Associated Press.
Bodycam Footage
The bodycam footage of the arrest shows Higgins standing and smoking a cigarette while officers ask him questions about what led up to the crash.
Previous Driving Violations
Higgins had previously been stopped by police for unsafe driving and other violations, according to documents obtained by NBC10.
Conclusion
The case is being closely followed far beyond South Jersey, with the Gaudreaus’ family and friends mourning the loss of the two brothers.
FAQs
Q: What is the charge against Sean Higgins?
A: Sean Higgins is accused of aggravated manslaughter, reckless vehicular homicide, and other counts in the crash that killed Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Q: What is the proposed plea deal?
A: The state of New Jersey offered Higgins a plea deal that would keep him jailed for 35 years.
Q: What is the next court date?
A: The next court date is scheduled for February 4, 2025.
Q: What is the significance of the Gaudreaus’ death?
A: The Gaudreaus were brothers who were set to serve as groomsmen at their sister’s wedding, but their lives were cut short in the crash.
