Prosecutors get extension to file indictment in deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
The incident occurred on the eve of their sister's wedding near their childhood home. Investigators have also noted Higgins’ history of road rage and aggressive driving.
The driver accused of fatally striking NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew while they were cycling in New Jersey appeared in court on Tuesday for a brief hearing.
During the session, a judge granted prosecutors an additional 30 days to formally pursue an indictment against the defendant, 44-year-old Sean M. Higgins.
This marked the first time that the Gaudreau family came face-to-face with Higgins in court. Previously, Higgins had attended hearings via video from jail.
The family, including the Gaudreaus' father, Gus, remained silent outside the Salem County Courthouse and declined to comment on the case.
According to authorities, Higgins, who hails from Woodstown, New Jersey, was under the influence after consuming five or six beers on the day he allegedly drove into the Gaudreau brothers on August 29.
The incident occurred on the eve of their sister's wedding near their childhood home. Investigators have also noted Higgins’ history of road rage and aggressive driving.
Reports indicate that on the day of the crash, Higgins told police he had been driving for two hours while speaking to a friend on the phone after a distressing conversation with his mother.
A witness driving ahead of Higgins stated that he was driving aggressively. As she and another vehicle slowed to safely pass the cyclists, Higgins allegedly sped up, swerving to the right and striking Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Police determined Higgins’ blood-alcohol level was .087—slightly above New Jersey's legal limit of .08. He also failed a field sobriety test.
He currently faces preliminary charges including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, having an open alcohol container, and consuming alcohol while driving.
If convicted, Higgins could face up to 20 years in prison. The judge cited the severity of the charges as a reason to consider him a flight risk, ordering him to remain in custody until his trial.
Higgins' defense attorney, Matthew Portella, described him as “a loving father of two daughters” who made a tragic mistake. Portella declined further comment after the hearing.
Johnny Gaudreau, famously known as “Johnny Hockey,” had a distinguished NHL career, playing 10 full seasons, including eight with the Calgary Flames, before joining the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was set to begin his third season with the team before the tragedy.
