A Princeton, New Jersey, man accused of killing his brother and a family cat made his first court appearance Thursday.
31-year-old Matthew Hertgen has been charged with first-degree murder in the tragic death of his younger brother, 26-year-old Joseph Hertgen. Additionally, he is facing third- and fourth-degree weapons charges for being in possession of a golf club and a knife. Shockingly, he is also being charged with animal cruelty for the killing of a cat, as reported by FOX News Digital.
The recent virtual pretrial detention hearing in Mercer County involved Assistant Deputy Public Defender Jason Matey, Assistant Prosecutor Tim McCann, and Judge Amber Gibbs. The hearing has been rescheduled to March 6 to allow for more time to gather necessary evidence for the case.
Responding to a 911 call made around 11:16 p.m. on February 22, the police arrived at the Michelle Mews Apartments complex in Princeton. The call reported a fire and a deceased individual. At the scene, Matthew Hertgen was present and identified as the caller. Upon investigation, officers found Joseph’s body with evidence of blunt force trauma and lacerations, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Joseph Hertgen was pronounced dead at the scene, and autopsy results are still pending.
Mercer County authorities continue to investigate the death  and urge anyone with information to contact Sgt. Will Jett at 609-331-5010 or Det. Karl Johnson at 609-439-5258.
Officials have not yet provided a motive. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Matthew and Joseph Hergen/ University of Michigan; Wesleyan University ]
