Princeton Man Charged with Brother's Brutal Killing and Animal Cruelty

Matthew Hertgen, 31, allegedly killed his younger brother and a cat in a gruesome incident, with mental health concerns potentially playing a role in his defense.

• Matthew Hertgen, a 31-year-old former college soccer player, is accused of killing his 26-year-old brother Joseph Hertgen and a cat in their Princeton, New Jersey apartment.
• Police responded to a 911 call made by Matthew on February 22, finding Joseph's mutilated body with signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations, allegedly caused by a knife and golf club.
• Authorities claim Matthew may have removed his brother's eye and attempted to eat it, and he also allegedly set the cat on fire, leading to an animal cruelty charge.
• Legal experts suggest Matthew's defense team may pursue an insanity plea, citing potential mental health issues, with schizophrenia being considered a possibility.
• The next court hearing is scheduled for March 6, as prosecutors and the defense review evidence and prepare for the case.

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