Princeton, New Jersey: Matthew Hertgen is accused of killing his 26-year-old younger brother, Joseph Hertgen, at a Michelle Mews Apartments in downtown Princeton on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Their parents, David and Debra, are in shock and mourning the tragic loss due to family violence issues.
Highlights
- Matthew Hertgen and Joseph Hertgen played soccer at Toms River North High School.
- Matthew is accused of taking the life of his 26-year-old brother, Joeseph, at Michelle Mews Apartments in downtown Princeton on February 22, 2025.
- Their father, David Hertgen, has served as the president and CEO of WiLine Network for over 23 years.
31-year-old Matthew Hertgen faces multiple charges in connection with the tragic demise of his brother and a cat.
According to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, he has been charged with first-degree murder and weapons offenses. Likewise, he is accused of animal cruelty for taking the life of a cat who lived in the apartment.
Matthew allegedly used a knife and a golf club to take the life of Joseph and a cat within the residence.
Authorities received a 911 call reporting a dead body inside the Michelle Mews Apartment complex at around 11:16 p.m. An autopsy will determine Joseph’s exact cause of death.
When officers responded to the scene, they found Matthew Hertgen, who was determined to be the 911 caller, in the residence, along with the body of the victim, which exhibited various injuries, including signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations.
The press release states
Moreover, the police department is investigating the incident, and anyone with information is requested to contact Sgt. Will Jett at 609-331-5010 or Detective Karl Johnston at 609-439-5248.
Joseph Hertgen’s Parents Are In Shock Due To The Tragic Incident Within The Family
David And Debra Hertgen are grappling with profound grief, shock, and confusion.
They are enduring an immense personal tragedy, and the community respects their privacy and emotional well-being.
David Hertgen attended Rider University and earned a Master of Business Administration from Fordham Gabelli School of Business.
Later, he became the CEO of MasterCard International in 1988 and Trintech Technologies in 1999. He served over 23 years as the president and CEO of WiLine Network.
Unfortunately, the tragic incident within the family has heartbroken the CEO. With Matthew serving in prison for the death of Joesph, David And Debra Hertgen have the support of their other son, David Hertgen.
Matthew was a former college soccer player at Toms River North High School and went on to play at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Aside from a few traffic tickets and a drunk driving arrest in February 2017, he rarely got in trouble.
Conversely, Joseph was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten soccer player at the University of Michigan from 2016 to 2019. His team won the Big Ten championship in 2017, and he was part of two NCAA Tournament teams.
At Toms River North High School, he was a two-time MVP and offensive player of the year. He also played baseball in high school and participated in the 2010 Little League World Series.
He graduated from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and pursued a career in asset management. He worked as an analyst at Locust Point Capital in New York City.
Joseph Hertgen’s parents will soon announce his funeral and memorial service. They might raise some donations to honor his legacy instead of flowers.
Nonetheless, the Hertgen family will undoubtedly miss Joseph Hertgen’s physical presence, but he will always remain in their hearts.
Rest in Peace Joe Hertgen (Michigan soccer alumni, BBA ’20)
byu/KingJokic inMichiganWolverines
Rest In Peace, Joseph Hertgen
Additional Information
- Matthew Hertgen stands 5 feet and 8 inches tall and weighs about 145 lbs.
- He began college soccer as a freshman midfielder in 2011, wearing jersey number 3.
- The first-degree murder crime carries a sentence of 30 years to life in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000.
