Defense Argues Driver Charged in Johnny Gaudreau Crash Was Not Legally Intoxicated, Seeks Dismissal of Case

The attorneys for the man accused of killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother have filed a fresh legal petition in fresh Jersey, contending that their client was not legally drunk at the time of the incident. In a nationally publicized case, the motion requests the court to dismiss the charge.

Sean M. Higgins, 45, of Pilesgrove is charged with killing Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother, Matthew R. Gaudreau, 29 in a 2024 crash. The brothers were hit by a car on a rural Salem County, New Jersey, road while biking. Both males were pronounced deceased on scene.

Johnny Gaudreau was famous for his NHL career as a skillful and energetic player. Hockey players and fans nationwide were shocked by his demise. The catastrophe also killed his brother Matthew, leaving family, teammates, and fans devastated.

Prosecutors said Higgins was drunk when the crash occurred. The defense argues in the new motion that their client did not meet New Jersey’s drunkenness standard. His attorneys are attempting to dismiss the indictment on that basis.

Grand juries issue indictments to advance criminal cases. Dismissal motions question whether charges should proceed. It might drastically change the case if approved. Cases continue via the courts if denied.

The court has not ruled on the defense’s request. Before a judge rules, both sides can present facts and arguments. Defense attorneys’ motions state their legal stance, not guilt or innocence. The accused has the presumption of innocent unless proven guilty.

The crash occurred in rural southern New Jersey’s Salem County. As previously reported, the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a neighborhood road when the tragedy occurred. Authorities said both guys died at the scene from the impact.

This case has garnered attention due to Johnny Gaudreau’s professional sports career and its implications for road safety, impaired driving, and accountability. Driving drunk in New Jersey is a serious crime with criminal repercussions. Future judicial procedures will likely focus on whether this case met the legal drunkenness level.

Legal experts say criminal defense strategies generally include requests to dismiss. Motions might dispute evidence, methods, or law interpretation. How the matter proceeds depends on the court’s decision.

Currently, the attention is on the courts. The family dealt with the tragedy’s emotional impact as the legal system considered both sides’ claims. Further court hearings should clarify next moves.

The move may affect the prosecution. The indictment and charges stay active until a court rules.

These legal developments will be updated as court actions are taken.

Sources

Official court filings in Salem County, New Jersey
New Jersey state judicial records
Publicly available case information from Salem County authorities