A shocking incident has unfolded in Princeton, New Jersey, where a man has been arrested for allegedly killing his own brother, a former college athlete, as well as a cat. The suspect, Matthew Hertgen, 31, faces charges of first-degree murder, weapons offenses, and animal cruelty. According to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, this tragic event occurred on February 22, after a 911 call reported a fire and a dead body at the Michelle Mews Apartments complex. Police found Matthew Hertgen at the scene alongside the body of his brother, Joseph Hertgen, 26, who had sustained both blunt force trauma and lacerations. Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities are currently investigating this as a homicide. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, with many struggling to process the violent nature of the crime and its impact on the Hertgen family.
Matthew Hertgen is now facing serious charges for his alleged role in the death of his brother and the cat. He has been charged with first-degree murder, which carries a potential life sentence in New Jersey. Additionally, he faces third- and fourth-degree weapons charges related to the use of a knife and a golf club, which appear to have been the instruments of the crime. A fourth-degree charge for animal cruelty has also been filed, stemming from the death of the family cat. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the events of that night. While the motive behind the killing remains unclear, the violent nature of the crime has left both law enforcement and the public searching for answers.
The brothers Hertgen were both accomplished athletes in their youth, with Joseph excelling as a soccer player at the University of Michigan and Matthew playing the same sport at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Their shared athletic past adds another layer of complexity to this tragic story, as it highlights the bond they once shared before their lives took a darker turn. Friends, family, and former teammates of the brothers have likely been left grappling with the news, as they recall their positive memories of Joseph and struggle to reconcile them with the grim reality of his death. The tight-knit Princeton community, where both brothers lived and grew up, is no doubt mourning the loss of such a promising young life.
The Princeton Police Department responded swiftly to the 911 call at 11:16 p.m., arriving at the Michelle Mews Apartments to find Matthew Hertgen at the scene. The body of Joseph Hertgen was discovered with signs of trauma, indicating a violent confrontation had taken place. While the exact circumstances leading up to the killing are still under investigation, authorities have confirmed that both a knife and a golf club were used in the commission of the crime. The apartment also reportedly suffered a fire, though details about its origin and extent remain unclear. This combination of violence and destruction paints a harrowing picture of the events that transpired.
Local and state officials are working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind Joseph’s death. Autopsy results for the victim are still pending, but the injuries he sustained suggest a brutal and intentional act of violence. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has classified the case as a homicide, and both the Princeton Police Department and the Mercer County Homicide Task Force are actively investigating. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crime to come forward and contact Homicide Task Force Sgt. Will Jett at 609-331-5010 or Det. Karl Johnson at 609-439-5258. This appeal for public assistance underscores the importance of community involvement in solving such tragic crimes and bringing closure to the victims’ loved ones.
As the investigation continues, the Princeton community is left to process this devastating event. While Matthew Hertgen’s arrest marks a significant step in seeking justice for Joseph, the broader implications of this tragedy extend far beyond the courtroom. The loss of a young life, so full of potential, serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the destructive power of unchecked violence. The Hertgen family, in particular, faces an unimaginable grief, as they grapple with the loss of one son and the criminal charges against another. The case of Joseph Hertgen is a painful reminder of the darkness that can unfold even in the most outwardly peaceful of communities, and it leaves many wondering how such a heinous act could occur.
