The New Jersey man accused of drunkenly plowing his vehicle into hockey star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, as they rode bikes on the eve of their sister’s wedding, will remain behind bars for at least another week.
During a brief hearing on Thursday, defense attorneys for 43-year-old Sean Higgins reached an agreement with prosecution that allows both sides an extra three days to file documents, exhibits and any potential legal briefs, NBC Philadelphia reported.
As a result, Superior Court judge Michael Silvanio postponed the hearing — meant to establish the suspect’s pretrial conditions — until Sept. 13.
Silvanio noted the extra days are the result of scheduling factors, including the fact that the court only operates during the week.
Higgins, who appeared via Zoom, did not speak during the proceedings. He’s facing multiple charges, including two counts of vehicular homicide, in connection with the Aug. 29 crash that killed Johnny, a forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his brother, Matthew, who served as the hockey coach at the men’s high school alma mater, Gloucester Catholic.
The siblings, ages 31 and 29, were biking on County Route 551 that night, near their hometown in Oldmans Township, when they were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee. New Jersey State Police said its driver was attempting to pass another vehicle on the right when he hit the bikers from behind.
Johnny and Matthew, who were supposed to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding the next day, were pronounced dead on the scene.
Instagram / Katie Gaudreau
Katie Gaudreau with her brothers, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who were fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver last week. (Instagram / Katie Gaudreau)
A funeral is scheduled for Monday at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Penn., and will be livestreamed on the Columbus Blue Jackets’ website.
In wake of the crash, Higgins failed a field sobriety test and told officers he had “five to six beers” before getting behind the wheel, according to a police affidavit.
During his initial court appearance, Higgins sported a suicide vest and was ordered held until his next hearing.
If convicted, faces up to 10 years in state prison.
