What Happened
Sean Higgins, the 45-year-old man accused in the deaths of NHL forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, rejected a plea offer during a court appearance on Monday. According to reporting from The Athletic and ABC Action News 6, jury selection in Salem County, New Jersey, will commence on December 1, with the trial proper beginning on January 4 after a holiday pause. Higgins faces multiple felony counts, including first-degree aggravated manslaughter and second-degree reckless vehicular homicide. Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio stated that a guilty verdict on all counts could result in a prison sentence of up to 91 and a half years. The Gaudreau brothers were killed on August 29, 2024, when a vehicle struck them while they bicycled in rural New Jersey.
Key Details
- Accused: Sean Higgins, age 45.
- Charges include aggravated manslaughter and reckless vehicular homicide.
- Jury selection begins December 1 in Salem County, New Jersey.
- Trial starts January 4 after a holiday break.
- Maximum potential sentence is 91.5 years in prison.