NJ Driver Admits to Being Over Legal Alcohol Limit in Crash That Killed Hockey Player's Brother

The defense for Sean Higgins, the New Jersey driver accused of killing NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, acknowledged in court on Monday that Higgins was over the legal alcohol limit at the time of the 2024 crash. Despite this admission, Higgins rejected a plea deal that would have reduced his potential maximum prison sentence.

Previously, Higgins' legal team had argued that his blood-alcohol content (BAC) was .075, below the legal limit of .08. They also asserted that prosecutors' BAC finding of .087 was inaccurate due to alleged errors in how blood samples were tested. However, on Monday, Higgins' lawyer, Richard Klineburger, stated that a defense-conducted test on a non-contaminated sample showed a BAC of .08.

Higgins, an Army veteran, refused to accept the prosecution's offer to plead guilty to two counts of aggravated manslaughter and one count of driving while intoxicated in exchange for 28 years in prison. Salem County Judge Michael Silvanio informed Higgins that if convicted at trial on the existing charges, including reckless vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter, he could face a maximum of 91.5 years, with no parole eligibility until serving 68 years.

The judge explained that from this point until Higgins' trial, scheduled to begin January 4, any guilty plea would be considered an "open plea," meaning it would not come with any sentencing recommendation from the prosecution. Higgins confirmed his understanding of the consequences of rejecting the plea deal.

Higgins is accused of striking the Gaudreau brothers, both married fathers, with his SUV while they were cycling on the side of the road in Oldmans Township on August 29, 2024. The brothers were reportedly on their way back from a rehearsal dinner for their sister's wedding, which was scheduled for the following day.

New images of the damaged bicycles ridden by the Gaudreau brothers and Higgins' vehicle were released on Monday. The defense also presented schematics of the crash scene, which they contend cast doubt on whether Higgins acted recklessly.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin on December 1, with opening statements expected in early January.