Unfolding Legal Drama in a Heartbreaking Case

Tears flowed in the courtroom on Tuesday as a state Superior Court judge denied a motion to dismiss charges against Sean M. Higgins, the man accused of fatally striking hockey stars Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau while they were biking in Salem County.

The Fatal Night

On the fateful evening of August 29, prosecutors allege that Higgins, 44, was intoxicated when he collided with the brothers. Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were riding their bikes along a rural road, a peaceful night turned tragic.

Emotions Run High

As Higgins sat silently in court, emotions soared. The Gaudreau family, present to witness the proceedings, embraced one another when the judge dismissed the defense's request. Judge Michael Silvanio emphasized that the prosecution had presented all the relevant evidence to the grand jury.

The Charges

Higgins is facing serious charges, including two counts of aggravated manslaughter and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Despite a plea deal that could have resulted in 35 years in prison, Higgins rejected the offer, aiming for a trial where he faces up to 70 years if found guilty.

Diverging Accounts of the Tragedy

Defense attorney Matthew Portella argued that Higgins's level of intoxication was barely over the legal limit and maintained that the conditions of the dark rural road affected visibility. Portella contested claims that Higgins was off the roadway when he struck the Gaudreaus, suggesting contributory negligence on the part of the brothers.

Liability in Question

The defense introduced revelations that both Gaudreau brothers had blood alcohol levels exceeding that of Higgins. However, the prosecutor countered that cycling intoxication does not warrant a legal statute in New Jersey and maintained that witnesses stated the brothers were within their rights and following traffic laws.

The Brothers' Untimely Demise

Witnesses reported that the Gaudreaus were breathing but unconscious after the collision. Despite immediate emergency response, it was too late. Higgins, who had been drinking before driving, admitted to hiding evidence of alcohol consumption after the crash, acknowledging his reckless behavior.

Family Legacy Cut Short

The Gaudreau brothers were not just talented athletes; they were set to be groomsmen at their sister's wedding the day after the crash. Amidst this tragedy, both of their wives were pregnant. Tripp Matthew was born in December, while Carter Michael arrived earlier this month.

Upcoming Court Dates

Higgins will return to court on June 10 for an update on the case's status. As he awaits trial, the community continues to grieve the irreplaceable loss of the Gaudreau brothers, whose lives were tragically cut short.

A Call for Justice

With ongoing legal battles ahead, the Gaudreau family seeks not only justice for their loved ones, but a sense of closure in a heartbreaking chapter that has left an indelible mark on the hockey community.