Sean Higgins, the driver accused of killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in a deadly crash, is claiming he is being unfairly prosecuted. His lawyers argued that the victims were more impaired than he was at the time of the incident, based on blood alcohol concentration levels. The prosecution alleged that Higgins had a BAC of .087, while Johnny had a BAC of .129 and Matthew had a BAC of .134.
Higgins’ defense lawyers also argued that he is being overcharged by Salem County prosecutors, who are seeking charges of reckless vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter that could lead to 35 years behind bars. They compared his case to other similar cases where the defendants received significantly shorter sentences despite higher BAC levels. The defense claimed that the initial plea offer of 35 years in state prison is not in line with other plea offers made in Salem County in recent years.
The incident occurred on August 29, when the Gaudreau brothers were fatally struck while bicycling in Oldsman Township, just outside Philadelphia and Wilmington. Johnny Gaudreau previously played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames in the NHL. The defense is seeking more information about testing protocols used to measure the blood alcohol concentrations of the defendant and victims. Salem County prosecutors could not be reached for comment on the case.
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