Princeton Man Arrested in Brutal Murder of Brother and Cat
Tragedy Strikes in Affluent New Jersey Town
A chilling crime has sent shockwaves through the affluent New Jersey town of Princeton, as Matthew Hertgen, 31, stands accused of murdering his former college athlete brother, Joseph Hertgen, 26, and a pet cat. The Mercer County Prosecutors Office has formally charged Hertgen with first-degree murder, along with third- and fourth-degree weapons charges for possessing a golf club and knife. Additionally, he faces an animal cruelty charge.
Gruesome Discovery at Apartment Complex
On February 22nd, at approximately 11:16 p.m., Princeton police responded to a 911 call reporting a fire and a body at the Michelle Mews Apartments complex. Upon arrival, they encountered Matthew Hertgen, who had placed the distress call. Inside the residence, they found the lifeless body of Joseph Hertgen, bearing visible signs of severe blunt force trauma and lacerations.
Autopsy Pending, Homicide Investigation Underway
Joseph Hertgen was declared deceased at the scene, with his autopsy results still pending. Local and state authorities have classified the incident as a homicide and are conducting an ongoing investigation. The Mercer County Prosecutors Office has declined to comment on the specifics of the case or the potential motive behind the crime.
Family Tragedy in Athletic Fraternity
The tragic events have cast a dark shadow over the Hertgen family, as both brothers were once prominent college soccer players. Matthew Hertgen played for Wesleyan University in Connecticut, while Joseph Hertgen represented the University of Michigan in the sport. The circumstances surrounding their relationship and any potential conflicts leading up to the murder are yet unknown.
Animal Cruelty Charge Adds to Heinous Nature
The indictment against Matthew Hertgen includes an animal cruelty charge, indicating that a pet cat may have also fallen victim to his violent actions. The specific nature of the cat’s death and its connection to the murder of Joseph Hertgen are still being investigated.
Community Mourns and Seeks Answers
The Princeton community is reeling from the horrific incident, expressing shock and sorrow over the loss of Joseph Hertgen. Neighbors have described him as a friendly and well-respected neighbor. Candlelight vigils and community gatherings have been organized to pay tribute to the victim and support his family.
Investigation Continues, Information Sought
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is actively pursuing leads and seeking assistance from the public. Any individuals with knowledge or information pertaining to the murder are urged to contact Sgt. Will Jett at 609-331-5010 or Det. Karl Johnson at 609-439-5258. The authorities emphasize that any information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.
As the investigation progresses, the community eagerly awaits further details to unravel the complexities of this heinous crime and bring justice for the victims.
