Matthew Hertgen, 31, a former college soccer star, has been arrested for the brutal murder of his 26-year-old brother, Joseph Hertgen, and the killing of a pet cat at a luxury apartment building in New Jersey. The crime occurred at the Michelle Mews Apartments in Princeton, where the brothers lived.
Matthew has been charged with first-degree murder, multiple weapons offenses, and animal cruelty for the death of his brother. The incident unfolded on Saturday when Princeton Police responded to a 911 call, allegedly made by Matthew, reporting a fire and a dead body at his residence. Upon arrival, officers discovered Matthew at the scene alongside the body of his brother and the lifeless cat.
Authorities believe Matthew used a knife and a golf club to fatally assault Joseph, who had been working as a banker after graduating from the University of Michigan. Joseph exhibited severe injuries, including blunt force trauma and lacerations. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The cat, which was also found dead in the apartment, was believed to have been killed during the attack.
The exact cause and manner of Joseph’s death are pending autopsy results, and the motivation behind the murder remains unclear. The incident took place in the upscale Michelle Mews Apartments in downtown Princeton, an area known for its proximity to Ivy League institutions. The luxury apartment complex lists for $6,275 to $6,300 a month.
Both Matthew and Joseph were highly regarded soccer players, with Matthew playing at Wesleyan University and Joseph at the University of Michigan. They were also stars on their high school team in Toms River.
Joseph had recently graduated with a degree in Business Administration and was working as an analyst at Locust Point Capital. The brothers grew up in an affluent household, with their father, David Hertgen, serving as the president and CFO of WiLine Networks, a successful business internet provider.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with friends and family sharing tributes to Joseph, remembering him as a talented and beloved individual. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder as Matthew faces serious charges.
