A Princeton man was arrested and charged with the murder of his younger brother, following a 911 call reporting a fire and dead body inside a local apartment, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Matthew Hertgen, 31, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his brother, Joseph Hertgen, 26.
He also faces multiple third- and fourth-degree weapons charges involving a knife and a golf club, as well as one count of third-degree animal cruelty related to the death of a cat found inside the residence, authorities said.
On Saturday, Feb. 22, at about 11:16 p.m., Princeton Police responded to the Michelle Mews Apartments after receiving a 911 call from Matthew Hertgen.
Upon arrival, officers found him at the scene with the body of his brother, who showed signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations, officials said. Joseph Hertgen was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation was conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, Princeton Police Department, and the New Jersey State Police Crime Scene Unit. The results of an autopsy will determine the official cause and manner of death.
Matthew Hertgen remains in custody. The first-degree murder charge carries a sentence of 30 years to life in prison, with fines up to $200,000. The third-degree charges carry a possible prison sentence of three to five years, and fourth-degree crimes could result in 18 months to three years of imprisonment.
According to media reports, Matthew Hertgen played soccer Toms River North High School and at Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
Joseph was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten soccer player who played at the University of Michigan from 2016 to 2019. He was also a high school two-time MVP and offensive player of the year. He later graduated from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and had a career in asset management.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Mercer County Homicide Task Force Sgt. Will Jett at (609) 331-5010 or Detective Karl Johnston at (609) 439-5248.
Joseph Hertgen. (Toms River Regional School District Facebook photo.),
