Matthew Hertgen, Princeton, NJ man kills his younger brother, Joseph at the man’s Toms River residence. Both siblings had been former college soccer star players and prep alumni. No known murder motive.
A former college soccer star in Princeton, New Jersey, has been charged with murdering his younger brother and family pet cat at a luxury resident over the weekend close to Princeton University campus
Matthew Hertgen, 31, is alleged to have used a knife and a golf club to stab and beat his 26-year-old brother, Joseph Hertgen, to death at about 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, NJ.com reported.
Cops found Joseph dead when they arrived at his Toms River, NJ residence following a 911 call, with the sibling displaying signs of blunt-force trauma along with several lacerations. Police said Matt Hertgen had called police after slaying his brother at his younger brother’s home.
Princeton prep murders former college soccer star brother
The slaying is alleged to have occurred at Michelle Mews apartments, which rent for more than $6,300 a month. The complex is part of the Residences at Palmer Square, NJ1015 reported.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office charged the elder Hertgen sibling with first-degree murder, weapons offenses and animal cruelty.
‘The complaint alleges that Matthew purposefully or knowingly engaged in conduct that led to the death of his younger brother,’ prospecutor’s said according to FOX29.
Prosecutors are still awaiting the official cause and manner of Joseph Hertgen’s death pending the results of an autopsy.
Joseph Hertgen was an analyst at Locust Point Capital, according to the company’s website.
He graduated from the University of Michigan, while Matthew Hertgen graduated from Wesleyan University. Both brothers played college soccer.
Both brothers were once standout soccer players at Toms River North High School and played in college: Joseph for the University of Michigan, and Matthew for exclusive Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
Authorities have yet to say what led to the elder Hertgen brother slaying the younger sibling.
If convicted of first degree murder, Matthew Hertgen could face up to 30 years jail and a $200K fine.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force Sgt. Will Jett at (609) 331-5010 or Detective Karl Johnston at (609) 439-5248.
