PRINCETON, NJ (1010 WINS) — A New Jersey man is facing murder and other charges in the death of his younger brother and pet cat, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced Monday.
Matthew Hertgen, 31, was charged with first-degree murder, along with animal cruelty and weapons offenses related to possession of a knife and a golf club in connection with the death of his brother Joseph Hertgen, 26, police said.
According to a complaint, "Matthew purposely or knowingly engaged in conduct" that led to the death of his brother and caused the death of a cat that was in the home, prosecutors said.
Around 11:16 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, Princeton Police received a 911 call was made by Matthew Hertgen about a fire and a dead body in one of the homes inside the Michelle Mews Apartments, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta Marbrey said.
Upon arrival, Matthew Hertgen was found in the house along with the body of Joseph Hertgen which exhibited various injuries including signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations, authorities said.
Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene and investigators believe a knife and golf club were the murder weapons. The cause and manner of his death are pending the results of an autopsy.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the prosecutor's Homicide Task Force Sgt. Will Jett at (609) 331-5010 or Detective Karl Johnston at (609) 439-5248.
