"Until Thursday?": Alleged drunk driver who hit Johnny Gaudreau shows little remorse after learning of extended jail term

By Evan Bell

Modified Aug 30, 2024 20:19 GMT

The suspect who killed Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in New Jersey spoke in court for the first time since the incident on Thursday night. The man, identified as Sean Higgins, appeared virtually on Friday after being arrested at the scene, where he was suspected of driving under the influence.

Higgins was charged with two counts of death by auto, both of which carry a potential 10-year prison sentence, as well as fines up to $200,000. In addition, if it is confirmed that he was under the influence at the time his vehicle hit the Gaudreau brothers, he could wind up facing additional charges.

During his virtual court appearance, a judge ordered that Higgins be held in jail until Sep. 5 when he'll have his next detention hearing. The decision was impacted, in part, by the federal holiday weekend for Labor Day which will see Americans enjoy a day off on Monday.

Because courts and banks will be closed on Monday, Higgins won't appear in court until Thursday. Instead of expressing remorse in his response, Higgins asked the judge for clarification, pausing briefly while asking:

“So… I’m here until Thursday?”

When the judge confirmed and explained how the federal holiday would delay his court appearance, Higgins reportedly "sat back in his chair and let out a heavy sigh" according to the New York Post.

Looking further at the latest information about Sean Higgins' court appearance after the death of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau

As the New York Post reported, Sean Higgins' court appearance took place at the same time as Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were supposed to be serving as groomsmen at their sister's wedding. During the court appearance, Higgins reportedly asked about hiring an attorney.

He is being represented by a public defender; however, he is looking to hire a private attorney. He explained to the judge that he doesn't have a phone and can't get hold of anybody to begin the process of hiring one.

In response, the judge told Higgins to ask friends and family members to assist him or someone on-site at the jail. Nobody from Higgins' family was present in the courtroom.

On Sep. 5, the expectation is that the judge will set a bail amount. The public will also likely have more clarity as to the charges and when he will be due back in court.

Given the loss of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau, their family opted to cancel the wedding, with plans to reschedule at a later date according to a report from TMZ.