The man is accused of killing the NHL superstar Johnny Gaudreau and his little brother simply pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges against him last year.
Sean Higgins made the pleas Tuesday morning in a New Jersey courtroom at a post-arraignment arraignment, rejecting an offer from prosecutors that would have resulted in a 35-year prison sentence.
The case will now go to trial – although Higgins must return to court in February for further proceedings.
Higgins is currently facing half a dozen charges in the case – including vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter – after allegedly rone about Gaudreau and his 29-year-old brother, Matthewin August in a car versus bike accident.
Prosecutors allege Higgins was drunk at the time of the accident – and accuse him of a history of aggressive driving and road rage.
Higgins' lawyers urged the public after Tuesday's hearing to “remember that our client is presumed innocent until proven guilty” … adding: “We believe the facts of this case will reveal that “This tragedy was not the result of any wrongdoing, but rather a combination of unique, unfortunate circumstances that are unlikely to ever occur again.”