Matthew Hertgen, 31, tried to take his own life in jail Thursday night. This came just hours after he appeared in court wearing a suicide vest. Law enforcement sources confirmed the shocking attempt. Hertgen is being held at Mercer County Correction Center on murder charges. He is accused of killing his 26-year-old brother, Joseph, in a brutal and violent attack.
Gruesome murder details
The horrific killing happened on Saturday night. Hertgen allegedly beat and stabbed Joseph with a golf club and a knife. The crime scene was gruesome. Hertgen is accused of tearing out his brother’s eyeball and eating it. Police say it was a twisted act of violence. The details of the attack are shocking. The suspect’s actions have left the community in disbelief. Hertgen now faces life in prison if convicted of the murder.
The crime scene discovery
The crime was discovered after Matthew Hertgen called the police. He reported a dead body and a fire inside the family’s home. Officers responded to the call and arrived at the Michelle Mews apartments in Princeton. The location is a high-end area with luxury homes. Inside the apartment, officers found a bloody knife, fork, and plate near Joseph’s body. Authorities believe Hertgen consumed his brother’s missing eyeball. The scene was disturbing and raised questions about Hertgen’s state of mind.
Disturbing social media posts
Before the murder, Hertgen posted strange and disturbing poems on social media. The poems described blood oozing from eyes and knives sharpening. These cryptic posts hinted at a dark and twisted mindset. Hertgen’s online behavior gave little clue about his violent tendencies. Just a day before the murder, he posted a selfie with a cat toy. The strange combination of posts paints a chilling picture of his thoughts leading up to the crime.
Family background
Matthew and Joseph Hertgen came from a well-off family. They grew up in a home valued at $1.1 million in Toms River. Later, the family moved to a more luxurious area in Princeton. Their new home in Princeton was worth up to $2 million. Despite their wealthy background, this tragedy has shaken everyone who knew them. The brothers were also standout athletes in their youth, adding to the shock of the murder.
Motive remains unknown
As investigators continue their work, the motive for the killing remains unclear. What led Matthew Hertgen to kill his brother in such a horrific way is still a mystery. No one knows what triggered the violent outburst. The lack of a clear motive only adds to the horror of the crime. Authorities are still piecing together what led to this tragic event.
The aftermath
Joseph Hertgen’s funeral takes place Saturday morning at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church in Toms River. Afterward, his family buries him at Saint Gabriel’s Cemetery and Mausoleum in Marlboro. The Hertgen family’s tragedy scars the community deeply. Friends and family grieve the loss of a young man whose life was taken so violently.
Legal proceedings
Matthew Hertgen now faces serious charges. If convicted, he could spend 30 years to life in prison. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 6. As the legal process moves forward, more details about the crime will likely emerge. The case is sure to keep the public’s attention as it unfolds. The shocking nature of this murder has left everyone wondering what will happen next.
