A Princeton man has been charged with murder and multiple other offenses following the death of his younger brother in a disturbing case that has shocked the local community.
Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced on Monday that Matthew Hertgen, 31, is facing a slew of charges, including first-degree murder, various third and fourth-degree weapons offenses, and one count of third-degree animal cruelty.
The charges stem from an incident that took place late Saturday night in the Michelle Mews Apartments, where law enforcement officials responded to a distressing 911 call.
When Princeton Police arrived at the scene around 11:16 p.m., they found Matthew Hertgen inside the home, which was also the location of the deceased victim, his 26-year-old younger brother, Joseph Hertgen. According to Marbrey, Joseph’s body bore multiple injuries, including apparent signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations.
Authorities further disclosed that the call to emergency services had been placed by Matthew Hertgen himself. Upon entering the premises, officers encountered a grisly scene, and subsequent investigative efforts, led by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, the Princeton Police Department, and the State Police Crime Scene Unit, quickly identified Matthew as the prime suspect in the case.
The investigation also uncovered another tragic element: the death of a cat found inside the residence. As a result, Matthew Hertgen has been charged with third-degree animal cruelty in addition to the murder and weapons offenses. The specific circumstances surrounding the cat’s death have not yet been detailed by law enforcement.
The cause and manner of Joseph Hertgen’s death are currently pending the results of an autopsy, which will provide additional forensic insight into the case. Authorities have not yet revealed a potential motive for the attack, nor have they indicated whether any prior history of violence or familial disputes played a role in the tragic event.
As per New Jersey state law, the first-degree charge of murder carries severe consequences. If convicted, Matthew Hertgen faces a sentence ranging from 30 years to life in state prison, in addition to a fine that could reach up to $200,000.
Meanwhile, the third-degree charges related to weapons offenses and animal cruelty could result in a prison sentence of three to five years and a fine of up to $15,000 per charge. Fourth-degree crimes, which also include certain weapons-related offenses in this case, carry penalties of up to 18 months to three years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover additional details that may provide clarity on the events leading up to the fatal altercation. Authorities are actively seeking information from the public and have urged anyone with relevant knowledge to come forward.
Individuals with any pertinent details are encouraged to contact the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force. Specifically, they can reach out to Sergeant Will Jett at (609) 331-5010 or Detective Karl Johnston at (609) 439-5248.
Community reactions to the case have been of shock and sadness, as neighbors and acquaintances struggle to come to terms with the violent nature of the incident. Many who knew the Hertgen brothers have expressed disbelief that such a tragedy could unfold within their close-knit community.
As the investigation progresses, prosecutors will likely work to build a comprehensive case against Matthew Hertgen. Key elements of the case will include forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and potential psychological evaluations to determine his state of mind at the time of the incident. Prosecutors may also examine whether any history of mental illness or prior criminal activity played a role in the crime.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of domestic violence and its devastating consequences. While authorities work to piece together the full details of the incident, the Mercer County community mourns the loss of Joseph Hertgen and awaits justice in what has become one of the most tragic cases in recent local history.
