League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Sean Higgins rejects plea deal, will stand trial for Gaudreau brothers' deaths

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 20, 2026, 3:03 AM

Last updated Oct 20, 2026

Sean Higgins rejects plea deal, will stand trial for Gaudreau brothers' deaths

Summary

Sean Higgins, 45, has chosen to stand trial for the deaths of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, occurring in August 2024. During a pretrial hearing on October 19, Higgins rejected a plea deal which would have resulted in a 28-year prison sentence. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree aggravated manslaughter, related to the fatal incident while allegedly driving under the influence. Jury selection is set to begin on December 1, with the trial scheduled for January 2027. The case has garnered attention due to the Gaudreau brothers' prominence in the hockey community.

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•Higgins charged in connection with the August 2024 deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
•Plea deal included 28 years; Higgins pleaded not guilty to six charges
•Trial is scheduled to commence in January 2027
•Jury selection starts on December 1
•The Gaudreau brothers were biking when they were struck by Higgins' vehicle

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