Trial scheduled for man charged in deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

SALEM COUNTY, New Jersey — The man charged in the deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew is scheduled to stand trial beginning in December.

According to The Athletic, attorneys representing Sean Higgins rejected a plea agreement offered by prosecutors.

Higgins is charged with two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter and two counts of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide.

Police allege Higgins was under the influence of alcohol when his vehicle struck the Gaudreau brothers as they rode bicycles on a New Jersey road in August 2024. The brothers were killed the night before their sister’s wedding.

Jury selection is scheduled for December 1 through December 11. The trial is expected to resume January 4 following a holiday break.

The charges remain allegations, and Higgins is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.