The man accused of driving drunk and fatally striking NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, made his first court appearance on Friday, where he was ordered to remain behind bars until at least Thursday.
Sean Higgins, 43, closed his eyes and appeared dejected, letting out a deep sigh upon learning he would remain in jail through the holiday weekend, reported TMZ.
Higgins wore an anti-suicide smock as he attended the proceedings virtually from a separate court room, speaking very little in response to the charges.
He faces two counts of death by auto after he allegedly drove his Jeep Cherokee while under the influence, and crashed into the Gaudreau brothers Thursday night in Oldmans Township, N.J.
Johnny and Matthew, in town to attend their sister’s wedding, had been bicycling on a quiet road around 8 p.m.
Higgins reportedly admitted to police that he drank five or six beers before the accident, and had continued drinking after he got into his SUV. Other charges against him include reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.
It became apparent on Friday that Higgins would remain behind bars for days after prosecutors filed a motion for his pre-trial detention.
“The statutes and court rules require me to hold you over for a minimum of 72 hours before your hearing,” the judge said. “With the weekend and a Monday holiday, 72 hours extends to Thursday.”
Higgins nodded, showing that he understood, and indicated that he planned to hire a private attorney to represent him. He was then dismissed from the proceedings after telling the judge he had no additional questions.
Later on Friday, the Gaudreau family released a statement regarding the tragedy.
“Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons- and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans,” the statement read. “We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.”
