PRINCETON, N.J. — A former college soccer player was found beaten and stabbed to death inside a Princeton apartment Saturday night, and his older brother has been charged with his murder, authorities said.
Joseph Hertgen, 26, was discovered dead at the Michelle Mews Apartments in downtown Princeton after police responded to a 911 call at approximately 11:15 p.m., according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. The caller was identified as the victim’s brother, Matthew Hertgen, 31, who was found at the scene.
Prosecutors say Matthew Hertgen used a golf club and a knife to kill his younger brother before setting a fire inside the apartment. He also allegedly killed Joseph’s pet cat. Hertgen now faces charges of first-degree murder, multiple weapons offenses, and third-degree animal cruelty.
“When officers responded to the scene, they found Matthew Hertgen… in the residence along with the body of the victim, which exhibited various injuries including signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement. Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force, Princeton Police Department, and the State Police Crime Scene Unit continue to investigate the case. The cause and manner of death remain pending an autopsy.