Shawn Higgins, man charged with death NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew will be brought to trial this summer for the original charges in his indictment after a New Jersey judge denied his defense attorney’s claim that the brothers’ own drinking contributed to their deaths.
Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio handed the decision in court after nearly two hours of discussion on Tuesday, and ultimately decided everything. Fees for Higgins It is supported.
Shawn M. Higgins, driver, NHL hockey player Johnny Gordrow and his brother Matthew are accused while riding their bikes, sitting in court in Salem County, New Jersey and Salem, New Jersey (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
“There is no credibility in the argument that there was a contribution to the cyclist,” Silvanio said.
Prosecutor Michael Mestelon added during the hearing that the defense’s argument was “around to say the least.”
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Court records show that both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were on the eve of their sisters’ wedding, when they were riding their bikes along the side of the road on August 29th, when they were riding their blood alcohol levels above .129.
They were killed when Higgins was said to have attacked them with his car while they were about to pass the vehicle on the right. However, the witness’s testimony supported the brothers not being recklessly on the bike.
“When the defendant attacked his brother, there are four witnesses who witnessed the defendant speeding up the Bronco to the right and passing illegally. The witnesses saw the brothers board a single file in a stream of fog just before they were hit by the defendant,” Mestelon wrote in a note this month.
Guy Gaudreau, father of NHL players Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, walked to county courthouse in Salem, New Jersey on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Higgins’ blood alcohol concentration is .087, exceeding the New Jersey legal limit of .080.
He was charged with two counts aggravated manslaughter, Two counting vehicle murders, evidence that the evidence tampers with and leaves the accident scene. He also admitted to police that he was drinking that day while driving.
Higgins’ attorneys said the allegations were not to hold the brothers liable, but claimed that the large ju court had not heard all the facts before approving the charges.
Sean M. Higgins, the driver who killed NHL hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, will appear on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 in Salem County, New Jersey, Salem, New Jersey, and Salem, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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Higgins pleaded not guilty in January and could be in prison for up to 70 years if convicted of all charges. He returned to court on June 10th.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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