Sean Higgins — the man accused of killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his little brother, Matthew — made his first appearance in a New Jersey court on Friday … and he seemed upset to learn he’ll be spending his upcoming long weekend in jail.
The 43-year-old appeared virtually before a judge … after being charged with two counts of fatal car crash following allegations he drunkenly slammed his Jeep Grand Cherokee into the back of the Gaudreaus’ on Thursday night as they were riding their bikes on a small road in Oldmans Township.
6abc Action News
Wearing a suicide smock, Higgins initially didn’t say much at the hearing… though when told he would remain behind bars until at least next Thursday, he seemed dejected.
He leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes… and then let out a long sigh.
The judge told Higgins he must remain jailed until the end of next week … because prosecutors have filed a motion for his pretrial detention.
“The statutes and rules of court require me to hold you for a minimum of 72 hours before your hearing,” the judge told him. “Since we have a weekend and a holiday on Monday, 72 hours becomes Thursday.”
Higgins could be seen on camera nodding his head, showing that he understood.
At the hearing, Higgins also made it clear that he intends to hire a private attorney to represent him in the case. He was then given instructions on how best to conduct such proceedings from a jail cell.
He was eventually dismissed from the case after informing the judge that he had no further questions.
As we reported, cops say Higgins admitted to drinking “5-6 beers” before the accident.
Johnny and Matthew were in town to celebrate their sister’s wedding, which was scheduled for Friday but was canceled after the tragedy.
Johnny was 31. Matthew was only 29.
TO TEAR APART