Trial date set for man accused of killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

A New Jersey judge has scheduled jury selection to begin on December 1 for Sean M. Higgins, the driver accused of killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in an August 2024 crash. Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio finalized the schedule on Monday after Higgins officially rejected the state's plea agreement, which carried a 28-year prison sentence. Proceedings will resume January 4, 2027, following a holiday recess.

Prosecutors allege Higgins was driving under the influence when he struck the Gaudreau brothers while they rode bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The 45-year-old faces multiple charges including two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, carrying a potential maximum of 91 and a half years in prison if convicted on all counts.