Princeton preppy accused in soccer star brother’s gruesome murder heads to court: What to know

A Princeton, New Jersey, man named Matthew Hertgen, 31, made his first court appearance on Thursday, facing serious charges in connection with the death of his younger brother, Joseph Hertgen, 26, and a family cat. Matthew is charged with first-degree murder for his brother’s death, as well as third- and fourth-degree weapons charges for allegedly possessing a golf club and knife. He also faces an animal cruelty charge related to the death of the cat. The case has sent shockwaves through the affluent community, where such violent crimes are rare.

Matthew appeared virtually for a pretrial detention hearing in Mercer County, wearing a navy safety vest during the brief proceedings. The hearing lasted less than 10 minutes, and Judge Amber Gibbs rescheduled it for March 6 to give both the prosecution and the defense more time to gather evidence. Assistant Prosecutor Tim McCann and Assistant Deputy Public Defender Jason Matey were also part of the hearing. Matthew’s public defender, Jamie Hubert, has not commented on the case, as is standard for pending legal matters.

The case has drawn attention due to its disturbing details and the prominence of the area where it occurred. Princeton is known for its safety, wealth, and low crime rate, making the alleged violence even more shocking. Legal experts, including former New Jersey prosecutor David Gelman, suggest that the hearing will function like a mini-trial, with prosecutors presenting evidence such as a probable cause statement and potentially calling witnesses. Gelman also noted that Matthew’s defense team may request a mental health evaluation, given his lack of criminal history and the severity of the charges.

Matthew allegedly called 911 on February 22, leading police to his residence at the Michelle Mews Apartments complex, where they found his brother’s body. Joseph had suffered blunt force trauma and lacerations, and his death is being investigated as a homicide. The autopsy results are still pending. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the killing, but they are looking into Matthew’s social media activity, including eerie and graphic poems he posted in September and May 2024. These posts have raised questions about his mental state and potential red flags.

The Hertgen brothers grew up in Toms River, New Jersey, and both were accomplished athletes in college. Matthew played soccer at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, while Joseph was a standout player at the University of Michigan. The tight-knit and affluent Princeton community is struggling to make sense of the tragedy, with many expressing disbelief that such violence could occur in an area known for its safety and wealth. Gelman described Princeton as a place where crime is virtually unheard of, making the case even more unsettling.

As the investigation continues, Mercer County authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to contact the Homicide Task Force. The case has left the community in mourning, and the rescheduled hearing on March 6 will determine whether Matthew will be held in custody pending trial. The shocking nature of the crime, combined with the brothers’ background and the lack of a clear motive, has made this case a point of focus for local law enforcement and residents alike.