The Gaudreau brothers crash case trial | Inquirer South Jersey
And a call for more protections for homeschoolers.
Good morning, South Jersey.
A January trial date has been set for Sean Higgins, the driver accused of fatally striking hockey players Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
And New Jersey legislators are calling for more state oversight of homeschooling after the death of a 9-year-old girl in Paulsboro.
Plus, two Deptford neighbors have appeared on Wheel of Fortune less than a year apart, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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The trial date for Sean Higgins, the driver charged with vehicular homicide in the 2024 deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, is set for Jan. 4, New Jersey Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio ruled Monday.
Higgins is charged with two counts of second-degree reckless vehicular manslaughter, two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, tampering with evidence, and fleeing the scene. The Gaudreaus died while biking on Aug. 29, 2024, in Oldmans Township, Salem County.
Also, multiple documents are now available, including photographs of a damaged bicycle and the Jeep Cherokee from the crash site, after the defense filed a motion for their release in an effort to find evidence to help their arguments.
Jury selection is set to begin in December, and the trial is expected to last three weeks.
If found guilty, Higgins faces up to 91 years behind bars.
Reporter Jesse Bunch has the story.
State Sens. John Burzichelli and Paul Moriarty are calling for more protections for homeschooled students.
It comes after 9-year-old Maya Thomas died last week in a Paulsboro home, where she allegedly faced “prolonged abuse.” Her mother and stepfather are charged with her murder.
New Jersey parents don’t have to tell the state that they’re opting to homeschool their children. The state also doesn’t require reviews of curriculums, nor does it necessitate parents to have teaching qualifications.
“We don’t know how many other Mayas there are out there that are suffering behind a barrier that has caused them to drop off the radar screen and become invisible,” Burzichelli said.
Meanwhile, homeschool advocates worry that the association of Maya’s death with homeschooling could stigmatize parents who opt to teach at home.
The Inquirer’s Sarah Nicell has more insight into the latest push to alter the state’s rules.
What to know today
Two seniors who play poker together at their Deptford 55+ community are now also Wheel of Fortune alumni. Curt Ostrow’s appearance aired last November and Pete Lukach’s was scheduled for Monday night.
More than 100 municipalities throughout New Jersey have banned or put in place a moratorium on data centers, NJ.com reports.
State Attorney General Jennifer Davenport recently announced that three members of a West Deptford family have been charged for their alleged roles in a homeowners’ insurance fraud scheme.
The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant chain, is set to close its Maple Shade location this weekend.
Our roundup of the best takeout spots from The Inquirer’s The 76, a list of the Philly area’s most vital restaurants, includes Corinne’s Place in Camden and Karachi Kafe in Voorhees.
Cherry Hill and Camden commuters should be mindful this week of multiple roadwork projects. Be prepared to take detours or alternate routes.
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🗣️ Quote of the week
Perelman, originally from Randolph, is a 22-year-old student at the University of Pennsylvania and is among a new generation of bird-watching enthusiasts.
🧠 Trivia time
How tall is Big Rusty, Hainesport’s troll made of recycled trash?
A) 35 feet
B) 20 feet
C) 15 feet
D) 400 feet
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re ...
🦅 Providing: A timeline of everything we know about the lead-up to Jalen Hurts’ diagnosis.
🏀 Meeting: The Sixers, by going through each player’s outlook ahead of tonight’s opener.
🏠 Weighing: The cost comparison of renting vs. buying.
And that’s been your roundup for this morning. I’ll have more news to share tomorrow. 📧
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