Sean Higgins, the man charged with killing Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, has pleaded not guilty in a New Jersey court. According to the Associated Press, Higgins turned down a plea deal offer of 35 years in prison.
Following Higgins’ plea, the case will now go to trial. The defense asserted that the accident occurred as the result of “a combination of uniquely unfortunate circumstances unlikely to ever occur again.”
The prosecution made the case that Higgins had a history of road rage and was under the influence of alcohol after drinking throughout the day.
Higgins, 44, allegedly struck and killed the Gaudreau brothers on Aug. 29. According to the police report, a vehicle ahead of Higgins saw Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau riding bikes on the right shoulder of the road. When that vehicle moved over to make room for them, Higgins allegedly tried to pass on the right, striking the two brothers.
According to police, Higgins’ blood-alcohol level was higher than the legal limit at .087, and he failed a field sobriety test.
Johnny Gaudreau was a fourth-round pick by the Calgary Flames in the 2011 NHL Draft after winning the Hobey Baker Award at Boston College. In his 11 NHL seasons with the Flames and Blue Jackets, Gaudreau totaled 243 goals and 500 assists in 763 career games.
Matthew Gaudreau, like Johnny, played his collegiate hockey at Boston College, while also playing for multiple AHL and ECHL teams.
A man has pleaded not guilty to homicide charges in the killing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, two brothers who were found dead in their home last month. The suspect, whose name has not been released to the public, appeared in court on Tuesday to enter his plea.
The Gaudreau brothers were well-known members of their community, and their deaths shocked many who knew them. Johnny, 27, and Matthew, 25, were found dead in their home on the morning of May 15th. The cause of death has not been released by authorities, but it is believed that they were both killed in a violent manner.
The suspect was arrested shortly after the bodies were discovered, and has been held in custody ever since. He is facing two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers. The motive for the killings is still unclear, and investigators are continuing to gather evidence in the case.
The plea of not guilty entered by the suspect means that he will now face a trial to determine his guilt or innocence. The trial is expected to be a lengthy and complex process, as the prosecution will need to present evidence linking the suspect to the murders beyond a reasonable doubt.
The community has been deeply affected by the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, and many are hoping for justice to be served in their case. The trial is expected to be closely watched by those who knew the brothers, as well as by others who are concerned about the safety of their community.
As the legal process moves forward, more details about the case are likely to emerge. For now, the suspect remains in custody awaiting his day in court. The families and friends of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau are left to mourn their loss and seek closure in the wake of this tragic event.
