Report: Trial set for man accused of killing Gaudreau brothers

The man accused of killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew will stand trial early next year.

Sean Higgins is facing two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, two counts of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide, and one count each of tampering with physical evidence and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Jury selection in Salem County, N.J., will begin on Dec. 1 and the trial will begin on Jan. 4 after a holiday break, according to The Athletic and ABC Action News 6 in Philadelphia.

Higgins, 45, appeared in court on Monday and rejected a plea agreement. He faces up to 91 1/2 years in prison if found guilty of all charges, Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio said in court on Monday, according to The Athletic .

Johnny Gaudreau, who played 11 seasons in the NHL with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets , and his brother Matthew Gaudreau died on Aug. 29, 2024, after they were struck by a car while riding their bikes near their family's home in rural New Jersey. Johnny was 31 and Matthew was 29.