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Trial Hears Arguments Over Gaudreau Brothers’ Sobriety in Fatal Cycling Accident
Prosecutors in the ongoing trial concerning the tragic deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau contend that the brothers’ sobriety should be deemed irrelevant. The siblings were fatally struck while cycling on a New Jersey road, and the case centers around the alleged driver, Sean Higgins.
Details of the Incident
Sean Higgins is accused of causing the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers on August 29. At the time of the incident, Higgins was allegedly intoxicated, with a reported Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.087.
Court filings from Higgins’ defense lawyers revealed Johnny Gaudreau’s BAC to be 0.129, and Matthew Gaudreau’s BAC was 0.134.
Prosecution Seeks to Exclude Brothers’ BAC Levels
However, New Jersey prosecutors are seeking to prevent the use of this information in the trial. Sean Higgins faces charges of aggravated manslaughter, according to reports from the New York Post.
Assistant Prosecutor Michael Mestern of Salem County, New Jersey, stated in a legal filing that the Gaudreau brothers’ level of alcohol consumption is immaterial to the case. He argued this point based on the assertion that they were abiding by traffic laws at the time of the incident.
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Witness Accounts Highlight Driver’s Actions
Eyewitnesses reportedly informed law enforcement that the actions of Sean Higgins alone precipitated the collision. These accounts allege that Higgins’ vehicle was partially on the roadway and partially on the grass verge when contact was made with the brothers.
Prosecutors assert that the blood alcohol content of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau is inconsequential to the case.
Sean Higgins is accused of vehicular manslaughter in the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers on August 29.
If convicted on the aggravated manslaughter charge, Higgins could face a prison sentence exceeding 20 years.
Tragedy Before Sister’s Wedding
The untimely deaths of the Gaudreau brothers occurred the day before their sister’s wedding, leading to the postponement of the ceremony.
Higgins’ Account of Events
Following the crash, Higgins reportedly stated that he was attempting to overtake a vehicle on the right-hand side when he collided with the brothers. The 44-year-old has maintained he did not see the Gaudreaus prior to the impact.
Prosecutors stated in filings that Higgins admitted to consuming five or six beers before the crash, including two while in his vehicle.
Defense Argues for BAC Inclusion
Defense attorneys, however, are countering these arguments, claiming that omitting the BAC levels of the Gaudreau brothers would be ‘premature’ in the context of the trial.
Richard Klineburger and Matthew Portella, Higgins’ legal representatives, have not disclosed further details, citing ‘trial strategy’. They have indicated they do not want to exclude the BAC levels from consideration, referencing ‘accident reconstruction’ as a factor.
Potential Sentence for Aggravated Manslaughter
The charge of aggravated manslaughter carries a potential prison sentence of over 20 years upon conviction.
Widow of Johnny Gaudreau Welcomes Newborn Son
In related news, the widow of Johnny Gaudreau recently gave birth to their third child. In an emotional social media announcement, she noted the striking resemblance of her newborn son to his deceased father.
Carter Michael Gaudreau was born on April 1, seven months after the fatal accident that claimed the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Meredith Gaudreau, the wife of the late Johnny Gaudreau, has announced the birth of their third child.
Social Media Announcement of Birth
‘I had our third baby! 4/1/25,’ Meredith Gaudreau shared on Instagram on Monday.
‘Carter Michael Gaudreau – bearing the same middle name as his father. Weighing 8lb 3 ounces, 20.5 inches in length – identical to his daddy at birth.’
‘He bears an uncanny resemblance to his daddy,’ she added, posting photos of herself, the newborn, and their two elder children, daughter Noa and son Johnny.
‘I love you immensely, my baby! Our lives together will be filled with joy. I eagerly anticipate giving you the most wonderful life, my special boy forever.’
Pregnancy Revealed at Memorial Service
Meredith Gaudreau had previously announced her pregnancy at her husband’s memorial service on September 9.
‘We are now a family of five,’ Meredith shared in her poignant eulogy. ‘I am in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third child. It was a complete surprise, and John was overjoyed and deeply excited.’