Man Accused Of Killing NHL Star, Brother In South Jersey Enters Plea

SALEM, NJ — The man accused of driving drunk while fatally striking NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, pleaded not guilty to all charges Tuesday in the Salem County Courthouse.

Sean Higgins was arrested in late August after authorities say he struck and killed Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, as the victims rode bicycles in Salem County. He has been jailed since then.

At his post-indictment arraignment on Tuesday, the Salem County Prosecutor's Office outlined a plea offer that would sentence Higgins to 35 years in prison, with parole eligibility after 30 years.

Higgins, 44, of Woodstown, was initially charged with two counts of second-degree death by auto and faced up to 20 years in prison. But a grand jury indicted Higgins on Dec. 11 with steeper charges, including two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter.

He was also charged by indictment with second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident and fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence.

Higgins's attorneys — Richard F. Klineburger III and Matthew Portella — entered a not-guilty plea for their client.

Court proceedings are set to resume Feb. 4.

Prosecutors also presented new details on the allegations that Higgins fled the scene and hid evidence.

After hitting the victims, "Higgins then continued a quarter of a mile down the road, where his car was stopped," said Salem County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Mestern. "Once he got out of the car, he discarded various items that were evidence in the case."

Johnny Gaudreau was a seven-time NHL all-star who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets at the time of his death. Matthew played in the minor leagues before returning to South Jersey and coaching.

The brothers lived in Salem County, where they grew up.

The deadly incident and ensuing case have received widespread attention from the NHL's international fanbase.

During the crash, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were biking up Route 551 North, close to a fog line on the roadway in Oldmans Township, police said. Higgins was driving in the same direction, behind a sedan and SUV.

Higgins got impatient and tried to speed past both motor vehicles before striking Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, according to prosecutors. After the crash, a state trooper smelled alcohol in Higgins's breath. The suspect told police that he drank five or six beers before the accident, according to the affidavit into Higgins's arrest.

Higgins was arrested after failing sobriety tests at the scene, the affidavit says.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.