Higgins, who admitted to drinking "five or six beers" before attempting a reckless driving maneuver, struck the brothers while they were cycling. He is now in police custody.
Higgins faces two counts of first-degree vehicular homicide, charges that could lead to a maximum sentence of up to 40 years in prison and a $400,000 fine if convicted. The tragic incident has left the hockey community and fans mourning the loss of the Gaudreau brothers while attention turns to the legal consequences that Higgins may face.
A video of Sean Higgins in court has surfaced online. It reveals his controversial reaction to hearing that he would be held in a cell over the long weekend.
It turns out this wasn't Sean Higgins' first encounter with the law. According to newly uncovered records, Higgins was previously arrested for driving under the influence back in 2005. The charges were filed in North Carolina, but the case never concluded because the arresting officer failed to appear in court.
If the officer had shown up to court that day, Higgins might have faced the consequences of his actions in 2005. This could have potentially deterred him from making the fateful decision to drive after drinking on Thursday night.
Tragically, this entire situation might have been avoided. Now, after choosing to drink and drive, Higgins is likely to spend a considerable amount of time reflecting on the severe consequences of his actions.
Credit: Hockey Patrol
The criminal past of the man responsible for the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau was made public
POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 1 | 431 ANSWERS Johnny Gaudreau's death: The responsible's criminal past made public Should he do prison for life? | ||
Yes | 365 | 84.7 % |
No | 66 | 15.3 % |
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