Matthew Hertgen, a former college soccer player from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, has been charged with first-degree murder and weapons offenses in connection with the death of his younger brother, Joseph Hertgen. The incident took place on February 22 in an apartment in Princeton, New Jersey.
According to a probable-cause affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital and NBC News, Matthew, 31, allegedly used a knife and a golf club to attack his 26-year-old brother. The affidavit also states that he removed Joseph’s right eye during the assault. In addition to murder charges, Matthew has been charged with animal cruelty for allegedly setting the family’s cat on fire.
Approximately an hour before Joseph was killed, the brothers’ surviving sibling sent him a text message warning him about Matthew’s mental state. The message advised Joseph to reach out if he needed help. In response, Joseph thanked him and said, “will do.” The surviving brother also informed Joseph that Matthew had been experiencing disturbing visions. Later, he messaged Matthew, inviting him to go on a hike the next day and offering words of encouragement, but received no response.
On February 22, Matthew called 911 and reported both a fire and a deceased person at the Princeton residence. When emergency responders arrived, they discovered Joseph’s body lying on the dining room floor in a large pool of blood. He had sustained blunt force trauma to the head and a deep laceration to his chest and abdomen. His right eye was missing. Blood-soaked eating utensils and a plate were found on the dining table near the body.
During his detention hearing in Mercer County State Superior Court on March 6, Matthew Hertgen appeared before Superior Court Judge Sherry Wilson. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Joseph’s death. The case has raised concerns about Matthew’s mental health, as previous reports suggested he had been struggling with disturbing thoughts in the months leading up to the attack.
