New evidence emerges in Sean Higgins case

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Finnegan Frost
September 13, 2024 (9:16)

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As the hockey world continues to mourn the passing of brother Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, fans are playing close attention to the man responsible, Sean Higgins.

Johnny and his brother Matthew were struck by a vehicle near their home in Salem County, New Jersey, on Thursday night. Unfortunately, both Johnny and Matthew passed away as a result of the accident.

According to Bethany Bruner of the Columbus dispatch, The man accused of hitting and killing Columbus Blue Jackets star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, will continue be held in jail after a Friday hearing in a New Jersey court.

New evidence in the case against Higgins was provided to Judge Michael Silvanio on Friday, including that Higgins' blood alcohol level, which was obtained through a blood draw, was .087, over the legal limit of .08.

Judge Silvanio admits to being reluctant to release Higgins due to fear of this happening again. Higgins had admitted to being impatient while driving, causing an unthinkable tragedy to happen. Higgins also admits to drinking regularly, therefore the head prosecutor deems he should stay behind bars for an extended period of time.

Court records say Higgins admitted to passing the vehicle on the right and said his alcohol consumption played a role in his impatience and aggressiveness while driving. New Jersey State Police said Higgins passed a vehicle on the left and when he attempted to get back into his lane of travel, he then passed a vehicle on the right. That vehicle had moved to the left to make room for the Gaudreau brothers, who were cycling on the right shoulder.

Higgins told police he had consumed "five to six" beers both before and while he was driving his Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The suspected drunk driver accused of killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew Gaudreau emotionally muttered few words as he was described as a "model citizen" on Friday.

Higgins grew emotional at several points during the proceeding, seen shaking his head, looking down and rubbing his face multiple times. Besides his reaction, he did not say anything except "yes, your honor," when spoken to directly by the judge.

According to CBS, Judge Michael Silvanio was convinced Higgins should remain in jail due to the concerns about his driving and whether Higgins, who had been on suicide watch in jail, would harm himself if released.

Higgins was ordered to remain in custody until at least October 15th until his next hearing. He is being held at Salem County Correctional Facility. Higgins has also been denied bail.

Source: Columbus Dispatch - News week
Sean Higgins Emotionally Muttered Few Words, Described as 'Model Citizen'
Driver in crash that killed Johnny, Matthew Gaudreau had blood alcohol level of .087