Judge gives public a better understanding regarding deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

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Chris Gerics
September 14, 2024 (3:24 PM)

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On Friday, the man responsible for the tragic deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, Sean Higgins; was denied bail and deemed a flight risk. But the judge in the case provided the public with a clearer idea of what transpired that night.

Judge Michael Silvanio, a Superior Court Judge who presides over cases in Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties (Oldsmans Township is located in Salem County, NJ where the accident took place) gave everyone a better understanding of the circumstances leading to the brothers losing their lives.

The judge presented an eyewitness account of that fateful night as part of the reason he denied Higgins bail:

"Mr. Higgins is observed by one of the operators driving at an extremely high rate of speed," said Judge Michael Silvanio while explaining his decision. "She indicated that she was doing 55 in a 50 and she observed Mr. Higgins vehicle coming behind her at a high rate of speed.

According to the police reports, the witness in that vehicle witnessed Mr. Higgins accelerate then get back almost tailgating her on her bumper, slowing down, continuing to accelerate at which point she moved slightly to the left to avoid these young men who were out riding their bikes," added Judge Michael Silvanio.

Clearly Higgins was not thinking clearly when he decided to become impatient, a lot to do with the fact that he pulled an ABV of .087 which is above the legal limit. He was also shown to be remorseless and apathetic in court at the start but the recent news of his holding in prison and possible long prison sentence reduced him to tears.

The judge would continue, explaining what happened after Higgins impatiently tried to pass:

"Mr. Higgins chose to go around her and not only did he go around her but he saw the next vehicle which he thought was trying to prevent him from passing," said Judge Michael Silvanio. "So he drove once again aggressively, back into the right lane and onto the shoulder where he struck the two cyclists obviously resulting in their death."

Personally, the judge did the right thing in preventing Higgins from getting out on bail, and making sure he doesn't try to flee.

The judge chastised Higgins and rightly so; his stupidity and impatience cost two young men their lives and destroyed two families. He said of Higgins:

"Clearly he indicated that he didn't even see them," said Judge Michael Silvanio. "His operation was so impaired at that time that he didn't even see these two young men on their bikes, driving safely on the roadway, where they were being passed safely by other vehicles. Due to his aggressiveness, due to his impatience, he struck these two... that gives the court serious concern as to whether Mr. Higgins can be on the roadway in any shape or form in a motor vehicle."

It's clear that the judge made the right call, and Higgins should be prosecuted to the fullest extent.

Our hearts still continue to go out to the families of Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau.