Sean Higgins, the man accused of causing the tragic deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, appeared in a New Jersey courtroom for the first time on Friday. He appeared virtually before a judge and was visibly upset upon learning that he would be spending his upcoming long weekend in jail.
Higgins faced two charges of death by auto after allegedly crashing into the Gaudreau brothers while they were riding their bikes in Oldmans Township. Wearing an anti-suicide smock, Higgins showed signs of dejection upon hearing that he would be detained until at least the following Thursday. He expressed his intention to hire a private attorney for his defense during the hearing.
The judge informed Higgins that he would remain incarcerated for a minimum of 72 hours due to a motion filed by the prosecutors for pre-trial detention. Despite being shaken by the situation, Higgins nodded his understanding during the hearing. He was advised on the process of hiring a lawyer before being excused from the proceedings.
Admission and Tragic Circumstances
According to police reports, Higgins confessed to consuming “5-6 beers” before the fatal accident. The Gaudreau brothers were in town to celebrate their sister’s wedding, which was ultimately cancelled following the heartbreaking incident. Johnny was 31 years old, while Matthew was just 29.
The appearance of Sean Higgins in court marked the beginning of a legal process that will determine the accountability for the tragic deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. As the case unfolds, the families of the victims seek justice and closure in the wake of this devastating event.
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