A New Jersey man is facing charges after allegedly killing his brother and a family cat earlier this month.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Matthew Hertgen, 31, appeared in court via video link Thursday from the Mercer County Jail. He’s facing a first-degree murder and related charges in connection with the death of his brother, Joseph Hertgrn, 26.
His defense attorney and the prosecutor plan to meet next week to discuss the case, noting that further work is needed before they can address an initial plea.
Police responded to a 911 call at about 11:16 p.m. on February 22, on reports of a fire and a dead body at the Michelle Mews Apartments complex in Princeton. Officers found Matthew Hertgen at the scene, identified as the caller. Inside, they discovered his brother’s body with blunt force trauma and lacerations, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Hertgen allegedly ripped out his brother’s eyeball after beating and slashing him to death. A law enforcement source told The New York Post that police said he may have eaten the eye.
Sources reportedly said that Matthew Hertgen also set the family cat on fire.
Police arrested the defendant at the scene.
Joseph Hertgen was pronounced dead at the scene, and autopsy results are still pending.
Mercer County authorities continue to investigate the death and urge anyone with information to contact Sgt. Will Jett at 609-331-5010 or Det. Karl Johnson at 609-439-5258.
Officials have not yet provided a motive. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Matthew and Joseph Hertgen/ University of Michigan; Wesleyan University]
