Salem County, N.J. — A judge on May 11, 2026, denied a bid to dismiss the indictment against Sean Higgins in a fatal bicyclist crash.
According to Salem County Superior Court, Judge Michael Silvanio denied the defense request during a May 11 hearing.
Authorities said Higgins, 45, is charged with reckless vehicular homicide, aggravated manslaughter and related offenses in the Aug. 29, 2024 crash in Oldmans Township that killed brothers Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29.
According to court records, the Gaudreaus were bicycling on the right shoulder when Higgins, driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, went around a vehicle and struck both; they died at the scene. Witnesses reported the Jeep was being driven aggressively before the impact.
Defense attorney Richard Klineburger argued records were unclear about which blood samples were used to test Higgins' alcohol level, according to statements in court.
Assistant Salem County Prosecutor Michael Mestern said the defense misread documents, noting a seal issue with an initial draw and a subsequent second draw with two vials, authorities said.
Court records list Higgins' blood alcohol content at 0.087%; a defense expert reported 0.075%.
Silvanio said prosecutors were required to present to the grand jury only evidence known at the time, and that competing expert opinions are for a trial jury to weigh.
The judge previously denied motions to dismiss based on the brothers' blood alcohol levels and to bar Higgins' post-crash statements, according to court records.
Higgins' next court date is scheduled for June 16.