CS-CBJ-WerenskiNorris Sean Higgins, the man accused of running down Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, has pled NOT GUILTY in a New Jersey courtroom. Last month Higgins was indicted on two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter (extreme indifference), two counts of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide, second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident, and fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence in the fatal incident. Salem County assistant prosecutor Michael Mestern said during Tuesday’s court hearing that prosecutors have offered Higgins a 35-year prison sentence if he pleads guilty to both aggravated manslaughter charges and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Higgins would need to plead guilty to both aggravated manslaughter charges in exchange for consecutive 15-year sentences. The offer would also require Higgins to plead guilty to leaving the scene of a fatal accident in exchange for a five-year prison term. If convicted, Higgins could get a sentence of 10 to 30 years for each aggravated manslaughter charge. The reckless vehicular homicide charges could bring a 10-year sentence per count. Higgins will next appear in court on February 4th, 2025. What's Next - The Jackets are on the road to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/] on Tuesday. What do you think? Please share your thoughts on our forum. [https://thehockeynews.rtb.io/NHLCBJ/posts]
