Sean M. Higgins, the individual charged in connection with the deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, entered a not guilty plea in court on Tuesday. The case has garnered significant attention, with reports indicating that prosecutors extended a plea deal that included a 35-year prison sentence. Higgins' not guilty plea paves the way for a pending trial.

The tragic incident occurred in August when Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were struck and killed while riding bicycles in New Jersey, just a day before their sister's wedding. Following the incident, a grand jury indicted Higgins in December on multiple charges, including two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and two counts of aggravated manslaughter, as well as tampering with physical evidence and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Prosecutors allege that Higgins was driving recklessly on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, where he attempted to overtake two vehicles. In doing so, he struck the Gaudreau brothers. Reports indicate that Higgins admitted to consuming between five and six alcoholic beverages on the day of the crash and indicated that he had been drinking while driving. His blood alcohol concentration was subsequently measured at .087 percent, exceeding the legal limit. Authorities also reported that Higgins had a documented history of road rage. Should he be convicted on the manslaughter charges, each count could result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years. The next scheduled court appearance for Higgins is set for February 4.