Brother kills brother: What led to the shocking murder of Joey Hertgen?

The Hertgen family, once the picture of American success, now faces devastation from a horrific act of violence. Matt Hertgen, 29, allegedly killed his younger brother, Joey, in their luxurious Princeton apartment. The crime has left many in shock. How could something like this happen to a family that seemed to have it all? Questions swirl about the dark turn in Matt’s life, and what drove him to such brutality.

The all-American brothers who had it all

Matt and Joey were born into a life of privilege. They had everything. Good looks. Athletic talent. A wealthy father. The family lived in a multimillion-dollar home in Princeton. Their father, David, worked as a high-level executive at a tech company. Life seemed perfect. Both brothers were athletes. Matt played soccer at Wesleyan University. Joey was a star at the University of Michigan. He was known for his leadership and skills both on and off the field. They had bright futures ahead.

A bright future turned dark

But something went wrong. Despite their promising lives, Matt snapped. The brutality of the crime has shocked everyone. Reports say Matt killed Joey with a knife and a golf club. He also allegedly set the family cat on fire during the attack. The details are chilling. The motive for the crime remains a mystery. Friends and family are struggling to understand how Matt, a talented and well-liked young man, could commit such a violent act.

Coach’s heartbreak

Joseph Mahon, who coached both brothers in high school, was devastated by the news. He remembered them as great kids. Matt was talented and hardworking. He had many friends. Mahon said that he never saw anything that would suggest Matt was capable of such violence. Joey, he said, was a natural leader. He was always smiling and made everyone around him better. Mahon recalled how Joey shone both on the field and in the classroom. He was the best player, the one everyone looked up to.

When Mahon heard about Joey’s death, he was left heartbroken. He described it as “unspeakably sad.” He couldn’t understand how this could happen to a family he had known for years. Mahon wasn’t the only one affected. The news rocked the Toms River community. Everyone who knew Joey is still trying to process the tragedy.

The Hertgen family’s life before the crime

The Hertgen family had a life many would envy. Before moving to Princeton, they lived in a $1.1 million home in Toms River. Their eldest son, David Jr., was a minor league golfer. Matt and Joey followed in his footsteps, excelling in sports and academics. The family’s move to Princeton didn’t change much. They were still on top. The brothers were living the American dream. Joey went on to play soccer for Michigan, where he earned multiple academic honors. He had a bright future in sports and beyond. His death has left a hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.

The unthinkable crime

The crime itself was brutal. Authorities say Matt attacked Joey with a knife and golf club. It was a violent, senseless act. The crime scene shocked everyone. Matt’s appearance after the murder was startling. He looked nothing like the clean-cut athlete from his college days. Instead, he appeared with a scraggly beard and a vacant expression in his mugshot. The change was striking. It was a far cry from the smiling young man people once knew.

Law enforcement officials were horrified by the crime. They described it as “way overboard.” Not only did Matt kill his brother, but he also set the family cat on fire. The details of the attack have left many questioning Matt’s state of mind. What could have caused such a brutal, senseless act?

The aftermath: A family in ruins

The Hertgen family’s world has been turned upside down. Matt is now in jail, facing charges of first-degree murder, weapons offenses, and animal cruelty. If convicted, he could face life in prison. The family’s dream life is over. The family’s future is in tatters. What could have gone wrong? How could this tragedy have unfolded in such an all-American home? For now, the family is left grappling with the fallout.

Joey’s death has deeply affected his friends and family. A spokesman from Toms River Schools expressed condolences, remembering Joey as a beloved student athlete. The community is heartbroken over the loss of such a bright young man. The question remains: why did this happen? Why did Matt snap? It’s a mystery that may never be fully understood.