Attorneys for the man charged with killing hockey star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother last year have focused on one word their client uttered — “lawyer” — in a police interview as they seek to have his statements barred from trial.

Prosecutors say Sean M. Higgins , 44, of Pilesgrove, was intoxicated when he struck NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew R. Gaudreau, 29, as they traveled along a rural road in Oldmans Township on Aug. 29, 2024.

Higgins’ attorneys previously filed a motion to suppress all statements he made to police because they say he wasn’t read his Miranda rights against self-incrimination and to legal counsel soon enough.

They also argue that when Higgins mentioned possibly needing a lawyer during questioning, his interview with police should have ended.

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