A Salem County (NJ) court has denied motions to dismiss several charges against Sean M. Higgins, a man accused of killing two hockey players, Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau. The brothers were struck by Higgins’ Jeep while they were bicycling home from their sister’s wedding on August 29.
Higgins faces multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, two counts of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide, tampering with physical evidence, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. His lawyers argue that some evidence presented to the grand jury is insufficient to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
However, Assistant Prosecutor Michael Mestern claims that sufficient evidence was provided to the grand jury, including testimony from two witnesses and 13 exhibits, which include photographs of Higgins’ Jeep and the crash scene. Superior Court Judge Michael J. Silvanio agreed that the indictment is “very thorough” and that the grand jury heard all necessary evidence.
The defense had argued that the prosecution failed to inform the grand jury about possible contributory negligence, but Silvanio dismissed this argument. Additionally, Higgins’ lawyers claimed that the brothers were intoxicated on the night of the crash, but Mestern argued that this was not a contributing factor to their deaths.
Higgins admitted to drinking heavily before the incident and was found with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. The case is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the charges will proceed.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6281368/2025/04/15/johnny-gaudrea-dismiss-charges-denied-trial