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Princeton Murder Suspect’s Brother Sent Warning Text Before Tragedy
The surviving brother of Matthew Hertgen, a murder suspect in Princeton, sent a warning text message to his youngest brother about an hour before he was killed.
Matthew Hertgen, 31, is accused of murdering his 26-year-old brother, Joseph Hertgen, in their family’s Princeton apartment, allegedly using a knife and golf club. He is also charged with animal cruelty related to the death of a cat.
According to a probable cause statement obtained by Fox News Digital, Matthew’s surviving brother spent time with him hours before the alleged crime on February 22. The brother told police that Matthew had "suffered from severe mental illness for the past five years" and was "extremely distressed, despondent, and experiencing terrifying visions" earlier that day. To help him, the brother picked Matthew up at around 4:30 p.m., took him to a grocery store, and then to his residence, where they stayed until approximately 10:00 p.m.
The brother then drove Matthew back to his apartment, where he briefly saw Joseph before leaving. About an hour before the murder, the surviving brother texted Joseph, warning him about Matthew’s struggles with his "visions" and asking him to reach out if he needed help. Joseph responded, "Will do."
Around 11:16 p.m. on February 22, police responded to a 911 call from Matthew reporting a fire and his brother’s dead body at the Michelle Mews Apartments. When asked how Joseph was injured, Matthew told the dispatcher, "I’m not gonna go into any more details right now."
Gruesome Scene Discovered
Upon arrival, police found Joseph’s body with severe head injuries, including a missing eye, as well as injuries to his chest and upper body. Investigators also discovered a cup of blood with blood-smeared utensils and a plate, as well as a deceased cat that appeared partially burned.
During the investigation, Matthew, who had cuts on his hands, reportedly told police he had "went into a fit of madness… maybe like forty minutes ago."
Court Appearance and Pretrial Detention
Matthew Hertgen appeared in court on Thursday for a pretrial detention hearing. However, no evidence was presented because Hertgen consented to pretrial detention, meaning he agreed to remain in jail until his trial. No family members were present in court. Hertgen is scheduled to return to court on March 24.
Joseph Hertgen was pronounced dead at the scene, and his autopsy results are pending. Local and state officials are investigating his death as a homicide.
Background of the Brothers
Joseph and Matthew Hertgen were star soccer players in high school and college. Matthew studied at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, while Joseph was recruited to play soccer at the University of Michigan.
For more details, read the full probable cause statement: Mobile users click here.
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