Judge denies motions in case of man accused of killing Gaudreau brothers
SALEM, N.J. (WPVI) -- The man accused of hitting and killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau while they were bicycling last summer was back in court Thursday for a pretrial hearing.
Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio denied two motions to suppress evidence obtained from the vehicle driven by 44-year-old Higgins of Woodstown. The judge ruled that proper protocol was followed during the search after the crash.
MORE | Judge upholds charges in Gaudreau brothers crash case; 'no credence' to impaired biking argument
Defense attorneys are also seeking to bar Higgins' initial statements to police following the crash. Four New Jersey State Police troopers are expected to testify when the hearing resumes on Sept. 18.
The Gaudreau brothers were struck while riding near their hometown in Salem County.
Higgins is charged with two counts each of reckless vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter, along with evidence tampering and leaving the scene of an accident. He was found beside his damaged vehicle, which had stalled about a quarter mile from the crash site.
A combat veteran and married father of two, Higgins worked for an addiction treatment company. He told police he had consumed about six beers that day - some while driving - after receiving an upsetting phone call from his mother.
SEE ALSO | Driver accused in DUI crash that killed Gaudreau brothers rejects plea deal
Johnny Gaudreau, known as "Johnny Hockey," was preparing for his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets after eight seasons with the Calgary Flames. Matthew Gaudreau played hockey at Boston College and was working as a high school coach.
If convicted on all counts, Higgins faces up to 70 years in prison. His attorneys have rejected a plea deal offering 35 years.
RELATED | Gaudreau brothers' widows speak about heartbreak nearly a year after losing husbands in fatal crash
