Salem, NJ — A New Jersey judge has ordered that Sean Higgins, the driver implicated in the fatal crash that killed professional hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, will be detained until his trial. The decision was announced following an emotional hearing on Friday.
During the proceedings, Superior Court Judge Michael J. Silvanio expressed significant concerns about Higgins’ potential threat to public safety if released. Highlighting the severe nature of the allegations — driving under the influence and causing the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers while they bicycled in Salem County on August 29 — Silvanio underscored the importance of maintaining community safety.
Judge Silvanio described Higgins as susceptible to aggressive and impulsive driving behavior, adding to the court’s worries about the risk he might pose if not detained.
Higgins, 43, confronted the charges via a virtual appearance from the Salem County Correctional Facility. Throughout the hour-long hearing, he displayed visible distress, occasionally wiping away tears as his lawyers advocated for conditional release.
Facing two counts of death by auto among other charges, with potential penalties extending up to 20 years in prison, Higgins’ case has captured widespread attention. His defense, led by attorneys Matthew Portella and Richard Klineburger, argued against the portrayal of Higgins as a flight risk or a potential suicide threat, citing his New Jersey roots and respectable military service background.
Portella noted that although Higgins had been on suicide watch previously, that measure had since been terminated. In an attempt to mitigate concerns about Higgins driving under influence again, his legal team proposed installing a breathalyzer in his vehicle, which would prevent operation if alcohol was detected.
According to the charging documents, Higgins stayed at the crash scene and confessed to a state trooper that he had consumed up to six beers before the incident. He failed a field sobriety test and reportedly admitted that drinking had aggravated his impatience while driving that night.
First Assistant Prosecutor Jonathan Flynn emphasized the dangers of prematurely releasing Higgins, arguing that no judicial conditions could adequately mitigate the risk of another incident. Flynn described the crash as stemming from a lethal combination of impatience, anger, and reckless behavior, stressing that the circumstances of the case, including Higgins’ admittance and the evidence gathered, left little doubt about his responsibility for the tragic event.
Flynn pointed out that the strength of the state’s evidence against Higgins meant that the case was clear-cut in terms of responsibility and the sequence of events. The insistence on keeping Higgins detained reflects a diligent approach by the prosecution to prioritize public safety while navigating the judicial process.
As the community reels from the tragedy, the court’s decision serves as a preliminary step in a case that not only involves glaring legal issues but also resonates deeply with concerns about road safety and the consequences of impaired driving. The ongoing legal proceedings will likely continue to draw attention as further developments unfold.