A heartbreaking and shocking case has emerged in Princeton, New Jersey, where a man is accused of killing his own brother. The suspect, 31-year-old Matthew Hertgen, appeared in court this week via video link from the Mercer County Jail. Wearing handcuffs and a protective vest, he waved to his attorney before being led back to his cell after the hearing.
Matthew is charged with the murder of his 26-year-old brother, Joe Hertgen, who lived in a high-end apartment just blocks away from Princeton University. Joe was a former soccer player for the University of Michigan and had recently been working as a financial analyst in Redbank. His life was tragically cut short in what police describe as a brutal attack.
The incident unfolded last Saturday night when Matthew called 911 to report a fire in Joe’s apartment. When police arrived, they found Joe’s body with signs of slashing and beating. Tragically, the family cat was also found dead in the apartment.
Adding to the mystery, Matthew had been posting disturbing and violent poetry on his social media accounts in the days leading up to the alleged crime. Investigators are still trying to piece together what could have driven him to such a horrific act.
Matthew’s attorney and the prosecutor agreed to meet next week to discuss the case further. For now, Matthew remains in jail as the legal process begins to unfold.
This tragic story has left the Princeton community in shock, raising questions about what could have led to such a devastating outcome between brothers. As the investigation continues, many are left wondering what could have gone so terribly wrong.
What are your thoughts on this case? How should the justice system handle such tragic family disputes? Share your perspective below.
