Princeton preppy murder suspect attempts suicide as slain brother laid to rest: report

In the quiet town of Princeton, New Jersey, a horrific tragedy unfolded, shocking the community and leaving many in disbelief. Matthew Hertgen, a 31-year-old resident, stands accused of murdering his younger brother, Joseph, in their family’s luxury apartment. The incident occurred on February 22, when Matthew allegedly used a knife and a golf club to commit the crime. Perhaps the most chilling detail is the suspicion that Matthew may have ripped out Joseph’s eyeball and attempted to eat it. This disturbing act has led many to question Matthew’s mental state and the events that could drive someone to such violence.

Matthew’s actions following the alleged murder are equally concerning. After a virtual court appearance regarding the murder charges, he attempted to take his own life in his jail cell at Mercer County Correction Center. This suicide attempt underscores the turmoil and distress that may have been brewing inside him. The charges against Matthew extend beyond the murder of his brother, as he is also accused of animal cruelty for setting the family cat on fire. These additional charges paint a darker picture of a man who may have been struggling with severe mental health issues or a deep-seated rage.

Joseph Hertgen, the victim, was a man whose life was marked by joy, kindness, and a love for life. He was only 26 years old when his life was tragically cut short. Known for his athleticism, Joseph had been a star soccer player at Toms River High School and later at the University of Michigan. His obituary describes him as a kind person whose smile could light up a room. He enjoyed simple pleasures like ping pong, chess, and traveling with friends. Joseph’s wake was held on Friday, with his funeral scheduled for the following day at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church in Toms River, a place where the community could gather to mourn the loss of a man who touched so many lives.

As the investigation into Joseph’s murder continues, authorities are still searching for a motive behind this heinous crime. The only clues so far are the disturbing poetic writings Matthew shared on his Facebook profile. In September and May 2024, he posted graphic content that described blood oozing from eyes and knives sharpening. These writings are now being scrutinized as potential indicators of his deteriorating mental state or a premeditated intent to harm. While these clues are unsettling, they leave many questions unanswered about what led to such a violent outburst.

Friends and acquaintances of Matthew have come forward to share their perspectives on the man they once knew. A high school friend expressed shock at the events, stating he had nothing bad to say about Matthew, describing him as a former soccer player who had gone on to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. This contrast between the man Matthew once was and the person he has become is striking. Attorney Daniel Gotlin, who is not involved in the case but has experience with mental health defenses, believes Matthew likely suffers from a psychiatric disorder, possibly schizophrenia, which often manifests in men during their late teens to early 30s.

Gotlin’s insights suggest that Matthew’s defense team may pursue an insanity plea, which would seek to place him in a mental health facility rather than a prison. This approach would acknowledge that Matthew’s actions may have been the result of a severe mental illness, rather than premeditated malice. However, the success of such a defense would hinge on the evidence presented by prosecutors, which has not yet been disclosed. As the legal proceedings continue, with a pre-trial hearing rescheduled for March 6, the community is left to grapple with the loss of Joseph and the turmoil surrounding Matthew’s case.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the focus remains on understanding the underlying factors that led to such a violent act. While the legal system will determine Matthew’s fate, the community mourns the loss of Joseph, a young man whose life was cut short in a way no one could have imagined. The Hertgen family’s story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of mental health and the devastating consequences when these issues are left unaddressed. As the case unfolds, it is a悲剧提醒我们要关注心理健康，并寻求在需要时的帮助。