NJ Driver Admits to Alcohol Use in Gaudreau Brothers’ Crash

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A New Jersey driver accused of killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in an August 2024 crash made a significant admission on Monday. Sean Higgins, 45, and his defense team conceded that he had been over the legal alcohol limit at the time of the crash, according to a report from the New York Post.

Legal Alcohol Limit Admitted

Higgins’ lawyers had previously argued that his blood-alcohol content was .075, just below the legal limit of .08, claiming that investigators had incorrectly tested only his blood plasma. However, the defense team later revised their stance, stating that the accurate test results showed Higgins’ blood-alcohol content was .08, slightly below the prosecution’s claim of .087.

Rejects Plea Deal

Despite the admission, Higgins rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors, which would have resulted in a 28-year sentence for two counts of aggravated manslaughter and one count of a first DWI offense. Salem County Judge Michael Silvanio warned Higgins that if convicted at trial, he could face a maximum of 91.5 years in prison, with parole eligibility only after serving 68 years.

Crash Details and Impact

Higgins is accused of striking and killing the Gaudreau brothers, both married fathers, with his SUV as they rode bicycles along the side of the road in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, on August 29, 2024. The brothers were on their way back from their sister’s wedding rehearsal dinner when the incident occurred.

New Evidence and Trial Date

New photos and maps from the crash, revealed on Monday, suggest that Higgins might not have been reckless at the time of the collision. His charges include reckless vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter. Higgins is set to stand trial on January 4, with jury selection beginning on December 1.

Source: Breitbart

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claire.thomson