The Preppy Princeton Murder Suspect Appears in Court
Matthew Hertgen, the 31-year-old accused of murdering his younger brother and reportedly consuming his eyeball in a fit of rage, appeared unkempt in court on Monday as he was informed that his case would be presented to a grand jury.
During the brief Zoom proceedings at Mercer County Superior Court, a somber Hertgen donned a scruffy beard and an ill-fitting red crew neck sweatshirt. He politely greeted the judge with “hello” and “thank you” as the grand jury was mentioned, with no family members present in court.
Hertgen’s next hearing is scheduled for May 2.
A former Wesleyan soccer player, Hertgen is accused of using a knife and a golf club to kill his 26-year-old brother, Joseph, in their upscale Princeton apartment on the night of February 22.
Following the gruesome act, he allegedly removed Joseph’s eye and consumed it, according to a law enforcement source.
Reports also indicate that he set the family cat on fire during the violent incident, which occurred near the Princeton University campus.
The Hertgen brothers, who were standout athletes, had relocated from a million-dollar home in Toms River to the upscale Michelle Mews apartments in Princeton, where units can cost up to $2 million.
Police discovered the horrific scene after Matthew himself called them to report a dead body and fire in their Witherspoon Street home.
A bloody knife, fork, and plate were found near the victim’s body, leading authorities to believe that Matthew had consumed his brother’s missing eye.
One week after his arrest, Matthew reportedly attempted to hang himself at the Mercer County Correction Center.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for Matthew’s alleged violent actions.
However, court documents revealed that Matthew had been struggling with his mental health in the days leading up to the incident. David Jr. had texted Joseph shortly before the tragedy, expressing concern about Matthew’s distress.
David told investigators that Matthew had been extremely distressed, despondent, and experiencing terrifying visions before the violent outburst.
“Wanting to help him, [the surviving brother] picked Matthew up at [redacted] at approximately 4:30 p.m.,” as stated in a probable cause statement obtained by NJ.com.
“[The surviving brother] and Matthew went to the grocery store and then to [the surviving brother’s] residence … where they remained until approximately 10:00 p.m.”
Stay updated with the latest on the Hertgen’s brother murder case
David Jr. then dropped Matthew back at the apartment, where Joseph was also present.
He had sent Joseph a text message offering support in dealing with their troubled sibling.
“Will do,” Joseph replied — just an hour before the tragic event, according to court documents.
After sending Joseph the warning, David also reached out to Matthew, inviting him on a hike the next day and encouraging him to “Hang in there.”
Less than 45 minutes later, Matthew called 911 to report the violent incident himself, as reported by authorities.
If convicted of murder, the accused faces 30 years to life in prison, and despite his family’s wealth, he is being represented by a public defender.
Neither his parents nor his remaining brother, David Jr., were present at Monday’s hearing.
