Judge gives public a better understanding regarding deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
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:
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:
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:
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.
| POLL | ||
How long should Sean Higgins go to jail for? | ||
| 5 years | 12 | 1.7 % |
| 10 years | 39 | 5.6 % |
| 20 years | 100 | 14.5 % |
| 25 to Life | 540 | 78.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
