Princeton Man to Face Court Charges in Brother’s Tragic Death

Princeton Man to Face Court Charges in Brother’s Tragic Death

A Princeton, New Jersey man accused of murdering his brother and a family cat is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday for the first time. Matthew Hertgen, aged 31, faces serious charges related to the death of his 26-year-old brother, Joseph Hertgen. These charges include first-degree murder, along with third- and fourth-degree weapon offenses, specifically concerning a golf club and a knife. Additionally, he faces charges of animal cruelty stemming from the cat’s death.

Virtual Court Appearance and Pretrial Hearing

Matthew Hertgen will participate in a virtual pretrial detention hearing in Mercer County. This event is part of a legal process influenced by recent bail reform legislation in New Jersey. Under this law, defendants may either be released on summons until their court date or held under a warrant until a pretrial hearing.

David Gelman, CEO of Gelman Law and a former prosecutor in New Jersey, elaborated on the process. He noted that the prosecutor’s office, in this instance, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, will determine whether Hertgen will remain in custody or be released. Should Hertgen be detained, a detention hearing will occur where evidence will be presented, akin to a mini trial.

Key Elements of the Detention Hearing

During this hearing, prosecutors are likely to present a “probable cause statement,” potentially accompanied by one or two witnesses. Furthermore, New Jersey employs a scoring system for criminal defendants, assigning a score from one to five based on the severity of their alleged crimes. A score of five indicates the most serious offenses.

Defense Strategy and Possible Mental Health Examination

Hertgen’s defense will be led by public defender Jamie Hubert, who has yet to comment on the ongoing case. However, Gelman anticipates that the defense team may request a mental health evaluation for Hertgen. He expressed concern over Hertgen’s wellbeing, given that this individual, a respected member of the community, suddenly stands accused of such heinous acts.

Gelman remarked on the stark contrast between Hertgen’s previous life and the current allegations. He described Hertgen as having no prior criminal history, indicating he had previously been viewed as a pillar in a wealthy community.

Events Leading to the Tragedy

Authorities responded to a 911 call late on February 22, at 11:16 PM, reporting a fire and a deceased individual at the Michelle Mews Apartments complex. Upon arrival, police discovered Matthew Hertgen, the caller, in his residence alongside his brother’s body. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office reported that Joseph Hertgen’s body exhibited signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations.

The circumstances of Joseph Hertgen’s death have raised significant alarm, with investigators treating it as a homicide. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the alleged murder.

Community Reaction to the Incident

The shocking nature of this crime has left the Princeton community reeling. As Gelman pointed out, Princeton is known for its affluence, with property values often exceeding $750,000. The region is not only wealthy but also well-policed, contributing to its reputation as a safe environment. The presence of numerous private schools further emphasizes the area’s affluent nature.

A Shared Athletic Legacy

Both Matthew and Joseph Hertgen were talented athletes, having played college soccer at prestigious institutions. Matthew attended Wesleyan University in Connecticut, while Joseph played for the University of Michigan. Their shared background in sports has added another layer to the tragedy of this case, raising questions about the underlying factors that may have contributed to the events.

Continued Investigations and Community Outreach

As the investigation into Joseph Hertgen’s death progresses, local and state officials are urging anyone with information regarding the case to reach out to the Homicide Task Force. Interested individuals can contact Sgt. Will Jett at 609-331-5010 or Det. Karl Johnson at 609-439-5258. Such outreach underscores the importance of community involvement in solving this distressing case.

A Complex Case Ahead

Moving forward, the legal proceedings surrounding this tragic incident will undoubtedly draw significant public attention. As both the defense and prosecution prepare for the challenges ahead, the community watches closely. The heart-wrenching circumstances of this case resonate deeply, highlighting the complexities inherent in modern criminal justice.