Brother charged with murdering former Michigan soccer player

In Princeton, New Jersey, police responded to a 911 call reporting a fire and a dead body on February 22, 2023. Upon arrival at the Michelle Mews Apartments, officers discovered the deceased body of Joseph Hertgen, 26, who had sustained severe blunt-force trauma and multiple lacerations. His older brother, 31-year-old Matthew Hertgen, was found on the premises and subsequently charged with first-degree murder, alongside several weapons offenses and third-degree animal cruelty for also harming a cat. The victim had been a former soccer player at the University of Michigan, where he excelled academically and athletically. The incident unfolded tragically, reflecting a violent confrontation between the brothers, whose roots trace back to Toms River, New Jersey. The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office has detailed that the events leading to Joseph's death involved Matthew deliberately engaging in actions that resulted in both his brother's demise and that of a cat within their shared residence. The timeline of this incident raises numerous questions, particularly about the circumstances leading up to such a severe family tragedy. Matthew Hertgen's past may warrant evaluation, as reports indicate he had previously posted concerning poetry on social media that suggested a fixation on themes of violence and death. Though these posts are not directly linked to the crime, they may illustrate underlying issues that the authorities need to investigate further. The investigation remains ongoing as more details emerge from the tragic event. Both brothers had their connections to soccer; Joseph Hertgen, having played at the University of Michigan between 2016 and 2019 and earning accolades as a three-time Academic All-Big Ten soccer player, was a promising individual with a degree in business administration. Following his graduation in 2020, he had secured a position as an analyst at Locust Point Capital. As law enforcement officials work to piece together the tragic circumstances surrounding the incident, community concerns continue to grow, delving into the impact of familial relationships on mental health and behavioral issues. The community is left grappling with the unsettling reality of this violent act as justice proceedings loom ahead for Matthew Hertgen.