Princeton Soccer Player Accused of Murdering Brother and Cat with Knife and Golf Club

Image credits: Wesleyan.edu

A former college soccer player is accused of killing his younger brother and a cat, New Jersey prosecutors announced Monday, Feb. 24. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office said charges have been filed against Matthew Hertgen, 31, for first-degree murder and weapons offenses in connection with the death of his 26-year-old brother, Joseph Hertgen. He is also charged with animal cruelty for allegedly killing a cat who lived in the apartment. The incident allegedly occurred on Saturday, Feb. 22 at an apartment in downtown Princeton, N.J., prosecutors said in a press release.

A knife and a golf club were allegedly used in the killing, prosecutors believe. “The complaint alleges that Matthew purposefully or knowingly engaged in conduct that led to the death of his younger brother and caused the death of a cat that was located within the residence,” states the press release. Officers responded to the apartment complex at around 11:16 p.m. after receiving a 911 call reporting a fire and a dead body inside the Michelle Mews Apartment complex. When officers responded to the scene, they found Matthew Hertgen, who was determined to be the 911 caller, in the residence, along with the body of the victim which exhibited various injuries including signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations.

Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of Joseph’s death is pending an autopsy, prosecutors said. Matthew Hertgen played soccer at Toms River North High School and went on to play at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Joseph, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten soccer player, 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, and later graduated from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and had a career in asset management. The investigation into Joseph's death is ongoing, with Mercer County authorities asking anyone with information about the alleged crime to contact the Homicide Task Force.

Here are the key points in the case: * Matthew Hertgen, 31, is charged with first-degree murder, weapons offenses, and animal cruelty * The incident occurred on Saturday, Feb. 22 at an apartment in downtown Princeton, N.J. * A knife and a golf club were allegedly used in the killing * Joseph Hertgen, 26, was pronounced dead at the scene * The cause of Joseph’s death is pending an autopsy * Matthew Hertgen played soccer at Toms River North High School and Wesleyan University in Connecticut * Joseph played soccer at the University of Michigan and had a career in asset management. The case has shocked the community, with many neighbors expressing surprise and sadness at the news. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident has raised questions about the relationship between the two brothers and the events leading up to the alleged crime. As the investigation continues, more information is likely to come to light. For now, the community is left to grapple with the shocking news of a former college soccer player accused of murdering his brother and a cat. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health and relationship issues, and the need for support and resources to prevent such tragedies from occurring.