Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
A Princeton, New Jersey resident stands accused of the shocking murder of his younger brother, a former college athlete. Matthew Hertgen, age 31, was taken into custody on charges of first-degree murder following the tragic incident that also involved the death of the family cat.
The authorities report that Hertgen allegedly used a knife and a golf club in the assault on his brother, Joseph Hertgen, age 26. In addition to the murder charge, Matthew faces multiple weapon possession charges as well as animal cruelty accusations related to the death of the family pet.
Disturbing Social Media Revelations
In the months leading up to the murder, Matthew Hertgen shared unsettling poetry on social media that hint at a troubled mind. One particularly alarming poem, posted to Facebook in September 2024, contains the line, “Who are you trying to strangle? And what god are you serving?” The poem escalates to describe violent imagery involving knives.
Another poem crafted in May 2024 expresses deep emotional pain, asking, “Do you like to watch me suffer? Do you like to crush me with pain?” These disturbing reflections raise questions about the psychological state of the accused.
A Troubled Past
Matthew’s social media presence a decade ago depicted a different story, showcasing images of a young man engaged in soccer and joyous moments with friends. The drastic change in his online persona is striking, highlighting a troubling shift in behavior that happened over the years.
The Incident Details
The tragic events unfolded on February 22, when local police were summoned via a 911 call reporting a fire and a body at the Michelle Mews Apartments. Upon arrival, officers found Matthew Hertgen at the scene alongside Joseph’s body, which bore signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations, confirming the suspicions of foul play.
Joseph Hertgen was declared dead at the scene. The authorities are currently awaiting the results of an autopsy to establish the cause of death officially. State and local officials are treating the case as a homicide while the investigation continues.
Shared Athletic Background
Both Matthew and Joseph Hertgen were known athletes. Matthew played soccer at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, while Joseph represented the University of Michigan. Their shared passion for the sport highlights the stark contrast between their earlier lives and the tragic events that have unfolded.
No Motive Established
At present, authorities have not released any definitive information regarding a motive behind the tragic incident. This aspect leaves the community grappling with unanswered questions and the shock of the occurrence.
Call for Information
The Mercer County authorities urge anyone with pertinent information regarding this case to reach out to the Homicide Task Force. Interested parties can contact Sgt. Will Jett at 609-331-5010 or Det. Karl Johnson at 609-439-5258. Public assistance could be crucial in piecing together the circumstances surrounding this horrifying event.
An Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active. While legal proceedings are likely to unfold, the tragic death of Joseph Hertgen has left a deep mark on the Princeton community, where family and friends continue to mourn.
A Community in Mourning
The heartbreaking loss is felt not just within the family but throughout the community as well. Friends, former teammates, and the locals are struggling to comprehend the ramifications of this incident, and many are seeking answers.
