New Jersey prosecutors announced on Monday, February 24, that a former college soccer player is charged with murdering his younger brother and a cat.
The Prosecutor’s Office of Mercer County announced that Matthew Hertgen, 31, faces charges of first-degree murder and weapons violations related to the death of his 26-year-old sibling, Joseph Hertgen.
He is additionally accused of animal cruelty for supposedly murdering a cat that resided in the apartment.
The event reportedly took place on Saturday, Feb. 22 at a residence in downtown Princeton, N.J., according to prosecutors in a press statement.
Prosecutors think a knife and a golf club were reportedly employed in the murder.
“The complaint claims that Matthew intentionally or knowingly acted in a way that resulted in the death of his younger brother and the death of a cat that was present in the home,” says the press release.
Officers arrived at the apartment complex at approximately 11:16 p.m. following a 911 call that reported a fire and a deceased individual within the Michelle Mews Apartment complex.
“When officers arrived at the location, they discovered Matthew Hertgen, identified as the 911 caller, inside the home, alongside the victim’s body, which showed multiple injuries, including indications of blunt force trauma and cuts,” the press release indicates.