Sean Higgins remains in jail before trial for fatal crash in Gaudreau case

Sean Higgins, 43, from Woodstown, New Jersey, is facing serious charges after allegedly fatally striking NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew while they were riding bicycles in South Jersey. Following a detention hearing, a judge ruled that Higgins should remain incarcerated at the Salem County Correctional Facility until his trial. The decision was influenced by concerns regarding the severity of the charges and the potential risk of Higgins failing to appear for future court dates. During the hearing, Salem County First Assistant Prosecutor Jonathan Flynn presented evidence indicating that Higgins had been drinking prior to the crash. He highlighted that Higgins had finished work around 3 p.m. on the day of the incident, consumed alcohol, and engaged in a distressing conversation about a family matter. Flynn emphasized that Higgins had a history of aggressive driving and road rage, which raised alarms about public safety if he were released. Judge Michael Silvanio expressed concerns about Higgins' driving behavior and his mental state, noting that Higgins had been on suicide watch while in jail. The judge concluded that there were no conditions that could adequately ensure the safety of the community or prevent Higgins from repeating his reckless actions if released. Defense attorney Matthew Portella argued for Higgins' release, but the judge ultimately sided with the prosecution's concerns. As a result, Higgins will remain in custody as the case progresses toward trial, reflecting the serious nature of the charges against him.