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Judge Upholds Charges in Gaudreau Brothers’ Fatal Crash Case

Sean Higgins will stand trial on all charges, including aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide, after a New Jersey judge rejected claims of contributory negligence by the victims.

Sep 24, 2024; New York, New York, USA; A tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau is shown on the screen before the first period of a game between the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images/File photo
The county courthouse in Salem, N.J., is seen Tuesday, April 15, 2025 before the appearance of Sean M. Higgins, the driver charged with killing NHL hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew while they were bicycling. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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Overview

  • Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio ruled that the Gaudreau brothers’ blood-alcohol levels are irrelevant to the charges against Sean Higgins.
  • Higgins faces charges of aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, evidence tampering, and leaving the scene of an accident, with a potential 70-year prison sentence if convicted.
  • Witness testimony confirmed the brothers were riding safely along the edge of the road in compliance with traffic laws before being struck.
  • Prosecutors allege that Higgins, with a blood-alcohol level of .087, was speeding and exhibited road rage when he hit the brothers while attempting an illegal pass.
  • The trial will proceed, with the next court hearing scheduled for June 10, after Higgins rejected a plea deal offering a 35-year sentence.