Authorities have arrested a former college soccer star for multiple offenses, including first-degree murder and animal cruelty.
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According to a press release from the Mercer County Prosecutor's office, the incident occurred on Saturday at around 11:16 pm. Princeton Police responded to a 911 call from the Michelle Mews Appartments on Palmer Square. The call allegedly came from Matthew Hertgen, 31, and police found him with the body of his brother, Joseph Hertgen, 26.
The press release explains that the victim's body "exhibited various injuries, including signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations."
Emergency services pronounced Joseph dead at the scene, and police have arrested Matthew in connection with his death. The prosecutor's office says Matthew is charged with first-degree murder alongside various third and fourth-degree weapon offenses. These are related to Matthews's alleged possession of a knife and golf club.
The complaint alleges that Matthew "purposely or knowingly engaged in conduct that led to the death of his younger brother and caused the death of a cat" found in the residence. An autopsy is ongoing to determine the cause of Joseph's death.
Both Brothers Were College Level Soccer Stars
Per a report by the Daily Mail, Matthew and his brother were both college soccer stars. Matthew reportedly played for Wesleyan University from 2011 to 2014. Joseph followed in his brother's footsteps and played for the University of Michigan between 2016 and 2019. The outlet explains both were also 'standout players' at Toms River North High School. The brothers came from a wealthy family, and their father is reportedly the president and CFO of WiLine Networks. Per RocketReach, the company was founded in 2002 and makes $88 million in revenue.
The press release details the charges against Hertgen and what they could entail. The first-degree murder charge carries a sentence of thirty years to life along with a fine of $200,000. Third-degree crimes are less severe, with a sentence of three to five years and a $15,000 fine. Finally, a fourth-degree crime carries a sentence of 18 months to three years in prison with a $10,000 fine.
