A devastating and shocking incident unfolded in Princeton, New Jersey, when a man allegedly killed his younger brother in a luxury apartment complex, leaving the community in disbelief. On February 22, 2023, at around 11:16 p.m., Princeton police responded to a 911 call reporting a fire and a dead body at the Michelle Mews Apartments. Upon arrival, authorities found the body of 26-year-old Joseph Hertgen, who exhibited signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations. His older brother, 31-year-old Matthew Hertgen, was identified as the 911 caller and was taken into custody at the scene. Prosecutors have since charged Matthew with first-degree murder, as well as third- and fourth-degree weapons charges related to the possession of a golf club and knife. Additionally, he faces charges of animal cruelty in connection with the death of a family cat, which a police source revealed had been set on fire.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, as the Hertgen family was widely regarded as a model of the "all-American family." Matthew and Joseph grew up in a seemingly idyllic household, with both brothers excelling as athletes in their younger years. Matthew played soccer at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, while Joseph, a former star athlete, played for the University of Michigan. Despite their outwardly perfect appearance, the brothers’ relationship reportedly took a dark and violent turn, culminating in the senseless killing of Joseph. A police source spoke to The New York Post, describing the situation as "incredibly tragic" and expressing disbelief that such violence could erupt from a family that seemed to have it all. The source emphasized that the loss of Joseph is devastating and that his death has left many questioning how such a horrific act could occur without any warning signs.
As the investigation continues, authorities have yet to outline a clear motive for the murder. Matthew’s actions, however, have drawn attention to his behavior in the days leading up to the incident. Reports have surfaced that he shared eerie and unsettling poems on social media, which some have interpreted as hints of underlying turmoil or potential darkness in his mindset. While these posts have sparked speculation, they do not provide a definitive explanation for the events that transpired. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has not released further details about the case, and the autopsy results for Joseph Hertgen are still pending.Local and state officials are treating the death as a homicide, and the Princeton Police Department has urged anyone with information about the alleged crime to come forward.
The Hertgen brothers’ athletic backgrounds add another layer to this tragic story. Both men were accomplished soccer players, with Joseph gaining recognition as a standout athlete during his time at the University of Michigan. His death has not only devastated his family but also left his former teammates, coaches, and friends grappling with the loss of a talented and promising individual. Matthew, too, had a notable sports career, playing for Wesleyan University in Connecticut. The brothers’ shared passion for soccer highlights the close bond they once shared, making the violent nature of Joseph’s death all the more heartbreaking. Their athletic achievements serve as a poignant reminder of the potential and life that was lost, and they underscore the shattered expectations of a family that seemed to have everything.
The charges against Matthew Hertgen paint a grim picture of the events that unfolded that night. The use of a golf club and knife as weapons suggests a brutal and premeditated attack, while the allegations of animal cruelty add further disturbing details to the case. The police source’s revelation that the family cat was set on fire has only deepened the sense of horror surrounding the incident. These charges, combined with the first-degree murder allegation, indicate that prosecutors are pursuing the case with the utmost seriousness, given the severity of the crimes. As the investigation progresses, officials will likely examine Matthew’s mental state, potential motives, and any factors that may have contributed to his alleged actions.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, the Princeton community is left to grapple with the fallout of such an unexpected and violent act. The Hertgen family’s reputation as a picture-perfect family has been shattered, leaving many to wonder how such darkness could have lurked beneath the surface. The case serves as a stark reminder that even in the most seemingly idyllic communities, tragedy can strike without warning. As authorities work to piece together the events of that fateful night, the death of Joseph Hertgen and the charges against Matthew Hertgen will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on those who knew the brothers and the community at large. For now, the case remains a haunting mystery, with many unanswered questions about what drove Matthew to commit such an unspeakable act of violence against his own brother.
