In a dramatic legal battle unfolding in New Jersey, prosecutors are fighting to exclude blood alcohol evidence that could shape the trial of Sean Higgins, charged with killing NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother while allegedly driving drunk.
At a Glance
- Sean Higgins faces aggravated manslaughter charges for allegedly killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau while driving intoxicated
- The Gaudreau brothers had BAC levels of 0.129% and 0.134%, which prosecutors argue is irrelevant as they were following road rules
- Higgins had a BAC of 0.087% and admitted to drinking 5-6 beers before the crash
- Witnesses claim Higgins’ reckless driving was solely responsible for the fatal collision
- Higgins rejected a plea deal for 35 years in prison
Prosecution’s Case Against Blood Alcohol Evidence
New Jersey prosecutors have taken a firm stance in the upcoming trial of Sean Higgins, arguing that Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) results from Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau should be excluded from evidence. The prosecution contends that the brothers’ intoxication levels are irrelevant to determining fault in the tragic crash that claimed their lives last August. According to court filings, the Gaudreau brothers were following all road rules when they were struck by Higgins’ vehicle, making their BAC levels of 0.129% and 0.134% immaterial to assessing blame.
The prosecution’s filing emphatically states: “There is no evidence here that would suggest that Matthew and John’s actions contributed to the collision.” This position is bolstered by witness statements indicating that Higgins’ “actions and his actions alone” led to the fatal crash. Prosecutors further argue that no amount of lighting on the victims’ bicycles could have prevented the collision due to Higgins’ allegedly egregious driving behavior, including illegal passing maneuvers and erratic operation of his vehicle.
Defense Strategy and Legal Arguments
Higgins’ defense team, led by attorneys Richard F. Klineburger III and Matthew V. Portella, is pushing back against the prosecution’s motion. They maintain that excluding the Gaudreau brothers’ BAC results would be premature, especially as other evidence and rulings are still pending. The defense has requested additional information regarding BAC testing protocols and has sought comparisons to plea deals offered in similar cases, suggesting that Higgins is facing harsher treatment due to the high-profile nature of the case.
According to the statement of Richard F. Klineburger III and Matthew V. Portella, Higgins’ attorneys: “We believe these filings are essential to ensuring that our client’s Constitutional rights are protected and that he is not being treated unfairly based upon the amount of publicity being garnered”
The defense has already rejected a plea deal that would have resulted in a 35-year prison sentence for Higgins. They are also seeking to exclude certain evidence from trial, including Higgins’ own BAC results and statements he made to police following the crash. Legal experts note that while cyclists in New Jersey have no legal BAC limit, the defense may attempt to use the brothers’ intoxication to construct an alternative narrative about the accident’s causation.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The tragedy occurred on August 29 in Salem County, New Jersey, just one day before the Gaudreau brothers’ sister’s wedding. Sean Higgins, 44, allegedly struck the brothers while they were cycling, with both being pronounced dead at the scene. Higgins admitted to consuming five or six beers, including two in his vehicle, before the crash occurred. His blood alcohol content was measured at 0.087%, above the legal limit for driving in New Jersey.
Further compounding the case against Higgins, he allegedly attempted to hide beer cans following the crash and later claimed that his drinking “contributed to his impatience and reckless driving.” Higgins now faces multiple serious charges, including aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving. If convicted on all counts, he could face decades in prison. Higgins remains in custody pending the outcome of his case.
