Overview
- Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio ruled Monday that jurors may hear Sean Higgins’ on‑scene remarks recorded on troopers’ body cameras and all statements made after his arrest.
- Higgins’ attorneys argued the comments should be suppressed due to an alleged Miranda violation and because questioning continued after he said he felt he might need a lawyer.
- Prosecutors countered that Higgins was not in custody during the roadside exchange, noting he could walk around and smoke, and said Miranda was read after a failed field sobriety test and a reported 0.087 blood alcohol level.
- Higgins has pleaded not guilty to aggravated manslaughter and reckless vehicular homicide, rejected a plea that would have recommended a 35‑year sentence, and also faces counts of evidence tampering and leaving the scene.
- The Aug. 29, 2024 collision in Oldmans, New Jersey killed brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, and earlier rulings in April and August kept charges intact and allowed vehicle search evidence.