Aug 30, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; A makeshift memorial grows outdoors Nationwide Area for Columbus Blue Jackets ahead Johnny Gaudreau. Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, have been killed in a bicycle accident the night time earlier than. Necessary Credit score: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY Community The New Jersey man suspected of driving drunk within the crash that killed Columbus Blue Jackets ahead Johnny Gaudreau and his youthful brother pleaded not responsible to 6 fees on Tuesday.
Sean Higgins, 44, entered the plea at a listening to in Salem County, N.J., the place the brothers have been using bikes on the night of Aug. 29 after they have been struck and killed. Higgins, who has been in custody since his arrest, additionally rejected a plea deal that will have despatched him to jail for 35 years.
The costs he faces embody reckless vehicular murder and aggravated manslaughter. If convicted, he may withstand 30 years in jail for every of the vehicular manslaughter counts alone.
Higgins is alleged to have hit Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, as he drove his Jeep to the suitable of the automobile in entrance of him in an try and go it alongside a rural highway in Oldsman Township. The brothers have been declared lifeless on the scene.
In courtroom Tuesday throughout the temporary listening to have been the Gaudreaus’ dad and mom and sisters. The boys have been on the town to function groomsmen within the wedding ceremony of their youngest sister, Katie, the next day. The marriage was postponed till this upcoming summer time.
Simply after Christmas, Madeline Gaudreau — Matthew’s widow — introduced the beginning of their first little one, Tripp Matthew Gaudreau. Johnny’s widow, Meredith, introduced on the brothers’ funeral that she is anticipating their third little one.
The subsequent listening to within the case was scheduled for Feb. 4, at which level Higgins’ legal professional is anticipated to maneuver to dismiss a number of the fees and ban some proof from trial. Higgins will stay in custody.
–Discipline Stage Media
