In a tragic incident that has left a community in shock, 31-year-old Matthew Hertgen has been charged with the brutal murder of his younger brother, 26-year-old Joseph Hertgen, in their Princeton, New Jersey, apartment on February 22.
Court documents reveal that just an hour before the alleged attack, Joseph received a warning text about Matthew's deteriorating mental health.
According to a probable-cause affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital and NBC News, the Hertgens' surviving brother sent Joseph a text message approximately an hour before the incident, advising him to seek help for Matthew, who had been experiencing severe mental health issues, including "terrifying visions," for the past five years.
The message read, "will do," indicating Joseph's acknowledgment of the concern. The brother also invited Matthew for a hike the next day, encouraging him to "hang in there," but received no response.
The Gruesome Discovery
On the night of February 22, Matthew called 911, reporting a fire and a dead body at their residence. Responding officers found Joseph deceased on the dining room floor, surrounded by a large pool of blood.
He had sustained blunt force trauma to the head, a laceration to his chest and abdomen, and his right eye was missing. Nearby, a golf club and blood-soaked utensils were discovered. Additionally, the family's cat was found partially burned and injured, leading to an animal cruelty charge against Matthew.
Matthew's Mental Health Struggles
The surviving brother, who had spent several hours with Matthew earlier that day, described him as "extremely distressed, despondent, and experiencing terrifying visions."
He noted that Matthew had been battling severe mental illness for five years. Upon his arrest, Matthew allegedly admitted to going into a "fit of madness" during the incident.
Legal Proceedings
Matthew Hertgen has been charged with first-degree murder, weapons offenses, and animal cruelty. He is currently detained and has consented to remain in custody ahead of his next court appearance on March 24.
Background of the Hertgen Brothers
Both Matthew and Joseph were accomplished soccer players. Matthew played at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, while Joseph was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten soccer player at the University of Michigan from 2016 to 2019. Joseph graduated from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and pursued a career in asset management.
The shocking nature of the crime has left friends, family, and the community grappling with grief and unanswered questions. The case underscores the critical importance of mental health awareness and intervention, especially when warning signs are evident.