The motorist charged with killing NHL hockey gamer Johnny Gaudreau and his sibling, Matthew, as they cycled on a rural New Jersey roadway pleaded innocent to the indictment Tuesday after declining a prosecution deal of 35 years in jail.
Sean M. Higgins, 44, appeared briefly in court in Salem County, New Jersey, and got in an official plea to the current indictment in the Aug. 29 deaths. The case will now approach trial.
Cops state Higgins, of Woodstown, had a history of roadway rage and suffered that day after consuming 5 or 6 beers. He stated he had actually been driving around for 2 hours, in some cases talking by phone with a pal, after a disturbing discussion with his mom.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were eliminated near their youth home in South Jersey on the eve of their sibling’s wedding event.
A chauffeur in front of Higgins informed authorities that he had actually been driving strongly. When she and another motorist decreased and moved left to walk around the bicyclists, Higgins accelerated and diverted right, striking the Gaudreaus, she stated.
Higgins had a blood-alcohol level of.087, which is above the state’s.08 legal limitation, and stopped working a field sobriety test, authorities stated.
He is being hung on charges that consist of 2 counts each of worsened murder and car murder, in addition to proof tampering and leaving the scene of a mishap.
Defense attorney Matthew Portella has actually called Higgins a caring dad and an excellent individual who “made a terrible choice that night.”
Both Portella and county district attorneys verified the regards to the proposed offer.
Johnny Gaudreau, referred to as “Johnny Hockey,” played 10 complete seasons in the NHL and was set to begin his 3rd with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He played his very first 8 seasons with the Calgary Flames.
Maryclaire Dale, The Associated Press
