Higgins Rejects Plea Deal in Gaudreau Case

Sean Higgins, accused of killing NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, in a cycling accident, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide. Reports indicate Higgins, a combat veteran and father of two, was driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol level of .087, above New Jersey's legal limit. Witnesses described Higgins as driving aggressively before the fatal crash on August 29, just before the Gaudreau brothers' sister's wedding. His defense team argues the incident was due to uniquely unfortunate circumstances rather than criminal intent. Prosecutors had offered a plea deal of 35 years in prison, which Higgins rejected, opting to take the case to trial. The next court hearing is scheduled for February 4, where motions to dismiss some charges and exclude evidence are expected to be filed by Higgins' attorneys.