The Associated Press, by Mary Claire Dale
PHILADELPHIA (AP)—The driver who is accused of killing NHL hockey star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew while they were riding their bicycles on a rural New Jersey road entered a not guilty plea to the indictment on Tuesday, rejecting a 35-year jail sentence offered by the prosecution.
Sean M. Higgins, 44, made a brief court appearance in Salem County, New Jersey, and formally pleaded guilty to the recent charge in the fatalities that occurred on August 29. The matter will now proceed to trial.
According to the police, Woodstown resident Higgins has a history of road rage and was intoxicated that day after consuming five or six beers. He claimed that following a distressing meeting with his mother, he had been driving about for two hours, occasionally speaking on the phone with a buddy.
On the eve of their sister’s wedding, Johnny Gaudreau, age 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, age 29, were murdered close to the South Jersey home where they grew up.
Police were informed that Higgins had been driving aggressively by a motorist in front of him. She claimed that Higgins sped up and turned right, hitting the Gaudreaus, as she and another motorist slowed and shifted to the left to avoid the bicycles.
On August 29, Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau, on the left, were struck and killed while riding bicycles down a road in Salem County, New Jersey. (File image)(File Images)
According to police, Higgins failed a field sobriety test and had a blood alcohol level of.087, which is more than the state’s legal limit of.08.
He is being jailed on allegations of abandoning the scene of an accident, tampering with evidence, and two counts of vehicular murder and aggravated manslaughter.
Matthew Portella, the defense attorney, described Higgins as a wonderful man and a devoted parent who made a terrible choice that evening.
The provisions of the planned agreement were confirmed by Portella and the county prosecutors.
Known as Johnny Hockey, Johnny Gaudreau spent ten complete seasons in the NHL and was about to begin his third with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Calgary Flames were his team for the first eight seasons.
Crime and court news
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