Princeton, NJ – A tragic and deeply unsettling crime has shaken the Princeton and Toms River communities after former college soccer star Matthew Hertgen, 31, allegedly murdered his younger brother, 26-year-old Joseph Hertgen, in a violent attack at the victim’s luxury Toms River residence on Saturday, February 22, 2025. In an act of additional brutality, Matthew Hertgen also reportedly killed the family’s pet cat during the incident. Authorities remain baffled as to the motive behind the crime, as no clear reason has yet been established for the violent fratricide.

According to law enforcement reports, the horrific event unfolded at approximately 11:15 p.m. when Matthew Hertgen, a Princeton Prep alumnus and former Wesleyan University soccer player, allegedly used both a knife and a golf club to fatally attack his brother. Joseph Hertgen, a respected investment analyst at Locust Point Capital and former University of Michigan soccer star, was discovered by authorities in his Toms River apartment with multiple lacerations and blunt-force trauma injuries.

The crime scene was a gruesome spectacle, with police describing a chilling atmosphere upon arrival. Bloodstains were reportedly found throughout the apartment, and signs of a struggle were evident. According to reports, it was Matthew Hertgen himself who called 911 to report the killing. When law enforcement officers arrived at the luxury Michelle Mews apartment complex, where rents exceed $6,300 per month, they found Joseph unresponsive and confirmed his death at the scene.

A Crime That Shook Princeton and Toms River

The brutal nature of the slaying has sent shockwaves through the communities of Princeton and Toms River, both of which had come to know the Hertgen brothers as talented athletes and scholars. The two had previously attended Toms River North High School, where they gained recognition as standout soccer players before advancing to prestigious collegiate soccer careers.

Joseph Hertgen was widely regarded as a disciplined and ambitious individual, having pursued a degree from the University of Michigan before securing his position as an analyst at Locust Point Capital, a firm specializing in alternative asset management. Colleagues remember him as intelligent, hardworking, and kindhearted, making his sudden and violent death all the more difficult to comprehend.

Meanwhile, Matthew Hertgen had attended Wesleyan University in Connecticut, a school known for its academic rigor, and had also played soccer at a competitive level. Despite this, sources say that his post-collegiate life had not reached the same heights as his younger brother’s. The exact circumstances of his personal struggles remain unclear, but authorities are investigating whether mental health issues or financial difficulties may have played a role in the tragic event.

Brutal Weapons of Choice: Knife and Golf Club

The choice of weapons in this crime has left many stunned. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that both a knife and a golf club were used to inflict harm on Joseph Hertgen. Blunt-force trauma from the golf club was believed to have contributed significantly to his injuries, while multiple lacerations suggested the use of a sharp blade. Forensic specialists are currently analyzing the weapons to determine the exact sequence of events that led to Joseph’s untimely demise.

In an act of additional cruelty, Matthew Hertgen also reportedly killed the family cat. While specific details about the cat’s death have not been released, this act has further compounded the horror surrounding the case. Prosecutors have subsequently added an animal cruelty charge to the list of offenses.

Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation

Matthew Hertgen was taken into custody without resistance and charged with first-degree murder, weapons offenses, and animal cruelty. He is currently being held without bail at the Mercer County Jail as the investigation continues. Prosecutors are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of Joseph Hertgen’s death.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Matthew Hertgen faces a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison along with a $200,000 fine. Legal experts note that additional charges or sentencing enhancements could apply depending on the final findings of the investigation.

The motive behind the crime remains unclear, adding another layer of mystery to the already shocking case. Authorities have not released any information regarding past conflicts between the brothers, and no known history of violence has been reported. However, detectives continue to interview family members, friends, and colleagues to gather insight into the relationship between the two siblings.

Community Reactions: Shock, Grief, and Questions

The Hertgen family, friends, and local communities have been left in mourning as they struggle to comprehend the brutal crime. Many who knew the brothers expressed disbelief that such a horrific incident could take place within their circle. Former classmates and teammates from both Toms River North High School and their respective universities took to social media to express their sorrow and pay tribute to Joseph Hertgen’s memory.

“I still can’t believe this,” wrote a former University of Michigan teammate. “Joseph was one of the most hardworking, dedicated, and kind individuals I have ever met. He had such a bright future ahead of him. This is just heartbreaking.”

Another individual, who had played alongside both Matthew and Joseph in their high school soccer days, stated, “I knew both of them, and never in a million years would I have imagined something like this happening. They were both such talented players and seemed to have a close bond. I just don’t understand how this could happen.”

In addition to the sorrow and disbelief, many in the Princeton and Toms River communities have expressed deep concern about the circumstances surrounding the case. Mental health discussions have emerged, with some speculating whether Matthew Hertgen may have been struggling with psychological issues that went unaddressed. Others have pointed to potential familial tensions that could have escalated into violence. However, without a clear motive, much remains unknown about what led to this gruesome crime.

Prosecutors Seek Public Assistance

As the investigation continues, prosecutors are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Law enforcement is particularly interested in any past incidents of conflict between the brothers that may shed light on the motive for the crime.

Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force. Authorities have provided the following contact numbers for those willing to assist in the ongoing investigation:

• Sgt. Will Jett: (609) 331-5010
• Detective Karl Johnston: (609) 439-5248

Final Thoughts: A Tragedy Without Answers

As the community reels from this shocking crime, one question remains at the forefront of everyone’s mind: Why? What could have driven a brother to commit such a horrific act against his own sibling? The lack of clear answers makes the tragedy even more painful for those left behind.

Joseph Hertgen’s legacy as a talented athlete and promising young professional has been cut short in the most brutal manner imaginable. Meanwhile, Matthew Hertgen’s future now hangs in the balance as he faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life behind bars.

For now, the Princeton and Toms River communities must come to terms with the heartbreaking reality that two lives—one taken, one forever changed—have been irrevocably altered in a single, tragic night of violence.