Tragedy in Princeton: Accused Murderer Attempts Suicide After Brother’s Gruesome Death
A somber cloud hangs over Princeton, New Jersey, following the brutal murder of Joseph Hertgen, a 26-year-old former athlete, and the subsequent attempted suicide of his brother, Matthew Hertgen, 31, the prime suspect in the case. The shocking events have sent ripples of grief and disbelief through the community, leaving many grappling with the inexplicable tragedy.
According to reports, Matthew Hertgen was found attempting to hang himself in his cell at the Mercer County Correction Center just hours after appearing virtually in court to face murder charges related to his brother’s death. The alleged crime occurred at the family’s luxury apartment complex in Princeton last Saturday. Law enforcement sources indicate that Joseph Hertgen was killed with a knife and a golf club. Disturbingly, police suspect that Matthew Hertgen may have removed his brother’s eye and attempted to consume it, adding a macabre layer to the already horrific crime.
Beyond the murder charge, Matthew Hertgen also faces accusations of animal cruelty. The family’s cat was allegedly set on fire, further highlighting the disturbing nature of the allegations against him. Authorities have yet to release any information regarding a possible motive for the killing.
As Matthew Hertgen navigates the legal system, the community mourns the loss of Joseph Hertgen. His wake was held on Friday, and his funeral is scheduled for today at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church in Toms River. Joseph is remembered as a vibrant and kind individual who excelled in sports, enjoyed traveling, and found pleasure in simple games like ping pong and chess. His obituary paints a picture of a person who brought light and joy to those around him, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill.
Princeton police initially responded to a 911 call on February 22 at around 11:16 p.m. The call reported a fire and a dead body at the Michelle Mews Apartments complex. Upon arrival, they discovered Matthew Hertgen, who was identified as the 911 caller, along with the body of his brother. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Joseph Hertgen’s body showed signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations, confirming the violent nature of the crime.
Adding another layer of complexity to the case is the revelation of disturbing content on Matthew Hertgen’s Facebook profile. Posts from September and May 2024 contained graphic poetry describing blood oozing from eyes and the sharpening of knives. These posts offer a chilling glimpse into the suspect’s state of mind leading up to the alleged murder.
Despite the disturbing nature of the crime and the evidence against Matthew Hertgen, those who knew him struggle to reconcile the accusations with the person they once knew. A friend from Toms River High School described Matthew Hertgen as a former soccer player who went on to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. The friend stated he had "nothing bad to say" about him, highlighting the shock and disbelief felt by many who remember him from his earlier years. Joseph Hertgen also demonstrated athletic prowess, playing soccer at Toms River before being recruited to the University of Michigan.
The gravity of the situation has prompted legal experts to weigh in on the potential defense strategies that might be employed. Daniel Gotlin, an attorney from Gotlin & Jaffe in New York, who is not directly involved in the case, knew the Hertgen brothers. He characterized them as intelligent individuals but noted that Matthew "obviously" had some "mental health issues." Gotlin successfully used a mental health defense in a previous case and believes that Matthew Hertgen’s public defenders will likely consider an insanity plea. Such a plea would aim to ensure that Matthew Hertgen is placed in a mental health facility rather than a prison, at least until he is deemed no longer a threat to society.
Gotlin emphasized the high likelihood of a psychiatric disorder in Matthew Hertgen, stating, "There’s absolutely no doubt he’s got a psychiatric disorder." He added that if the prosecution has a strong case, a psychiatric defense is crucial. Gotlin further suggested that if committed to a mental health facility, it is "very unlikely this guy would see the light of day," implying a long-term or permanent stay due to the severity of his potential mental illness.
The defense attorney pointed to the possibility of schizophrenia, a condition that often manifests in men during their late teens to late twenties. This possibility adds further weight to the potential for a mental health defense strategy.
The legal proceedings are currently underway. A new pre-trial hearing has been rescheduled for March 6. This delay allows both the prosecution and the defense additional time to gather discovery, or information related to the case, ensuring a thorough and fair investigation.
The Hertgen case presents a confluence of tragic circumstances, raising questions about mental health, violence, and the devastating impact on families and communities. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on seeking justice for Joseph Hertgen, understanding the factors that may have contributed to this horrific event, and providing support to those affected by this profound loss. The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing resources for those in need.
