Man accused of killing hockey star brothers in crash faces judge as families look on; no plead deal offered
The hearing before Judge Michael Silvanio only lasted a few minutes. The prosecution was granted a 30-day extension to deal with evidence. There was no plea deal offered.
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The man accused of killing NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau in Salem County earlier this year appeared in court on Tuesday.
Sean Higgins appeared for a brief status hearing before being sent back to his jail cell. The 43-year-old was handcuffed as he walked into the courtroom with his family and the Gaudreau family looking on from the gallery.
The hearing before Judge Michael Silvanio only lasted a few minutes. The prosecution was granted a 30-day extension to deal with evidence. There was no plea deal offered.
The Gaudreau brothers, 31-year-old Johnny and 29-year-old Matthew lost their lives on Aug. 29 in Oldman’s Township while in town for their sister’s wedding, which was set for the next day. Officials say the two brothers were riding bicycles in a rural area of Salem County, where there’s nothing but a two-lane road surrounded by farmland.
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Police have said that it was around 8 p.m. when Higgins, driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, passed a slow-moving car on the right, slamming into the Gaudreaus from behind.
Police have reported that Higgins had a Blood Alcohol Level of .087, which is above the legal limit. He’s charged with two counts of death by auto, reckless driving and possession of an open container.
The criminal complaint revealed that Higgins told investigators he had five or six beers before getting in his car and was drinking while driving.
At the site of the crash, there is a memorial for the brothers. Hockey sticks and a banner from Gloucester Catholic where both attended school. There are also two white bicycles on the road in their memory.
Johnny Gaudreau played 10 seasons in the NHL for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets.
It has since been revealed that the wives of both brothers are pregnant.
