During a conference on Friday, Salem County Judge Michael Silvanio scheduled jury selection to begin Dec. 1 and conclude by Dec. 11. The trial is set to begin Jan. 5 following the holiday recess.
READ MORE | NJ judge delivers ruling on whether to drop charges in Gaudreau brothers crash case
"Obviously this is going to be a longer trial and given the fact that we're going to take the recess over the holiday and not bring the jurors back until January," Silvanio said.
After more than two years of legal proceedings, the case is moving toward trial. Silvanio said motions, if needed, would be heard Jan. 4, with the trial beginning the following day.
Prosecutors allege that Higgins, 45, had a blood alcohol level just over the legal limit when he struck the brothers as they were riding bicycles in Oldmans Township in August 2024, the night before their sister's wedding.
RELATED | Gaudreau brothers crash case: Lawyers claim suspect wasn't driving drunk
Johnny Gaudreau, known as "Johnny Hockey," was set to start his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets after eight seasons with the Calgary Flames. Matthew played hockey at Boston College, like his older brother, and was working as a high school coach.
Defense attorneys have challenged the testing of Higgins' blood, arguing it was not properly analyzed. The defense is seeking additional testing of blood samples before trial.
"We made the arrangements to have the prosecutor's office send the additional vials of blood that were drawn from Mr. Higgins to NMS labs for testing purposes," defense attorney Matthew Portella said.
The case has drawn national attention and has inspired events in South Jersey honoring the memory of the Gaudreau brothers.
One final pretrial conference is scheduled for Oct. 19.
If the case proceeds to trial as scheduled, 16 jurors will be selected, including 12 primary jurors and four alternates.