Man Accused of Killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in Drunk Driving Incident Pleads Not Guilty

Sean M. Higgins, the man charged with killing brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, has pleaded not guilty. 

Higgins pleaded not guilty to all charges, including first-degree manslaughter, during an arraignment hearing on Tuesday, January 7. 

In December, Higgins was indicted on two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, two counts of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide, a fourth-degree charge of tampering with physical evidence and a second-degree charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident. 

Higgins allegedly struck and killed Johnny, 31, a star for the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, and Matthew, 29, when they were riding bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey on August 29, the evening before their sister Katie Gaudreau’s wedding was scheduled. 

During the arraignment on Tuesday, it was revealed that Higgins was offered a 35-year prison sentence if he pleaded guilty to both aggravated manslaughter charges and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. 

At the scene of the crime, it was revealed that Higgins’ blood-alcohol level was .087, which is over the legal limit of .08. He admitted to officers he had been drinking, including consuming beers while behind the wheel of his vehicle. 

According to Salem County assistant prosecutor Michael Mestern in Tuesday’s hearing, Higgins would need to plead guilty to both aggravated manslaughter charges in exchange for consecutive 15-year sentences.

Mestern also said the offer would require Higgins to plead guilty to leaving the scene of a fatal accident in return for a five-year prison term.

If Higgins is convicted, each charge of first-degree aggravated manslaughter carries a maximum of 30 years. Vehicular homicide carries a maximum of 10 years per charge.

In an email to The Athletic, Higgins’ attorneys, Richard F. Klineburger and Matthew Portella, argued some of the indictment counts were improperly charged.

“While this case has garnered significant media attention, it is essential to remember that our client is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” the email read. “As a combat soldier who has served our country with distinction and honor, Mr. Higgins has the utmost faith in our judicial process and would not want to taint the proceedings with statements made outside of the Courtroom.”

The email concluded, “We believe that the facts of this case will reveal that this tragedy was not the result of any malfeasance but rather a combination of uniquely unfortunate circumstances unlikely to ever occur again.”

Higgins is accused of hitting Johnny and Matthew with his Jeep Grand Cherokee while attempting to pass two vehicles on a two-lane road. The brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.

Higgins is next scheduled to appear in court on February 4.