Matthew Hertgen, the 31-year-old Princeton murder suspect accused of killing his younger brother and allegedly eating his eyeball, appeared in court Monday as he learned his case would go to a grand jury.
According to The New York Post, Hertgen wore an unkempt beard and a red crew neck sweatshirt during the brief Zoom proceedings in Mercer County Superior Court. Assistant Prosecutor Tim McCann stated that there was no plea bargain offer available for Hertgen prior to the indictment.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, he’s facing a first-degree murder and related charges in connection with the death of his brother, Joseph Hertgrn, 26.
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 with a knife and a golf club, in what he reportedly called a “fit of madness.” A law enforcement source told the Post that police said he may have eaten the eye.
Matthew Hertgen also allegedly set the family cat on fire. Police arrested the defendant at the scene.
“The complaint alleges that Matthew purposely or knowingly engaged in conduct that led to the death of his younger brother and caused the death of a cat that was located within the residence,” Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta Marbrey said.
NJ.com reports that Judge Robert Lytle set an early May hearing for an Andrews Motion, where prosecutors will seek to compel Hertgen to provide the access codes for his cell phone and laptop. The motion is named after a 2020 state Supreme Court case that addressed the matter.
Lytle stated that the prosecution and defense had discussed the access codes, but had not yet come to an agreement.
The Hertgen brothers stood out in soccer at Toms River North High School and went on to play in college. Joseph Hertgen joined the University of Michigan.
While Matthew Hertgen lived in Princeton, he did not attend Princeton University; he attended Wesleyan University in Connecticut, graduating in 2015.
If convicted, Matthew Hertgen faces 30 years to life behind bars. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Matthew and Joseph Hertgen/ University of Michigan; Wesleyan University]
