Driver in Brothers’ cycling Deaths Loses Appeal to Suppress Post-Crash Statements
A New Jersey appellate court has ruled that statements made by Sean Higgins following a fatal crash that claimed the lives of two brothers will be admissible at trial. The decision, handed down on January 15, represents another setback for the defense as the case progresses.
The legal battle centers on whether Higgins was properly informed of his Miranda rights – the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney – before speaking to police after the August 29, 2024, incident. Defense attorneys argued that the statements should be excluded from evidence due to this alleged violation. though, the judge persistent that the attorneys failed to provide sufficient justification for their claim.
According to court documents, John Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Higgins while cycling north on county Route 551 in Oldmans Township at 8:19 p.m. The brothers were killed consequently of their injuries.
Investigators allege that Higgins attempted to overtake two vehicles and briefly entered the opposing lane.An SUV ahead of him moved to the center of the roadway to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers, who were riding on the right shoulder. Higgins then reportedly attempted to pass the SUV on the left shoulder,stating in a recorded conversation played in court that he believed the other vehicle was traveling too slowly. This maneuver resulted in the collision with the brothers.
A trooper at the scene noted the smell of alcohol on Higgins’ breath,and he allegedly admitted to consuming five or six beers prior to the crash. He also reportedly failed a field sobriety test. Higgins,who was employed at a nonprofit drug and alcohol treatment center at the time,now faces charges of aggravated manslaughter and reckless vehicular homicide,among other offenses.
The court’s decision to allow Higgins’ post-crash statements into evidence considerably strengthens the prosecution’s case. The statements, in which Higgins admitted to drinking and striking the cyclists, provide direct evidence linking his actions to the tragic deaths of the Gaudreau brothers. The trial date has not yet been set, but this ruling marks a critical step toward bringing the case to a conclusion.
Why did this happen? Sean Higgins, 31, struck and killed brothers John Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, while driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, on August 29, 2024. Investigators allege Higgins was attempting to pass other vehicles and entered the opposing lane before colliding with the cyclists.
who was involved? The key individuals are Sean Higgins, the driver charged in the deaths; John Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau, the brothers who were killed; and the New Jersey appellate court which ruled on the admissibility of Higgins’ statements.
What were the key details? higgins allegedly consumed five or six beers before the crash and admitted to drinking and striking the cyclists in post-crash statements. He faces charges of aggravated manslaughter and reckless vehicular homicide. The central legal question was whether Higgins was properly informed of his Miranda rights before speaking to police.
How did it end? The New Jersey appellate court ruled that Higgins’ post-crash statements will be admissible at trial, rejecting the defense’s claim that his Miranda rights were violated. This decision is a significant win for the prosecution and a setback for Higgins’ defense. A trial date has not yet been set.
