Joseph Hertgen was a former college soccer star who was recently murdered by his older brother Matthew Hertgen, find out more about him and the murder below
According to reports, Jospeh was a well-rounded individual who not only excelled in sports but also in academics.
Who is Joseph (Joe) Hertgen as ex-University of Michigan soccer player is murdered by his older brother Matthew in New Jersey
Matthew Hertgen, 31, from Toms River, New Jersey, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, weapons offenses and animal cruelty after killing his brother Joseph Hertgen, 27 and a pet cat.
Officers found him at the scene with Joseph’s body, showing signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations from a knife and golf club assault. Joseph was pronounced dead on the spot, alongside the dead cat.
The brothers, raised in a $1.2 million Toms River mansion by their tech mogul father, were both college soccer stars, Matthew at Wesleyan University and Joseph at the University of Michigan. Joseph worked as a banker after graduating in 2020 while Matthew is now in custody with a motive still unknown
🚨#BREAKING🚨
A Former Michigan soccer player, Joseph Hertgen allegedly murdered by older brother in New Jersey. – Mlive#breakingnews #Michigan pic.twitter.com/nUClZpzrTW— Ink&Impact (@inkimpactnews) February 24, 2025
Joseph Hertgen murdered by older brother
A former collegiate soccer player named Joseph Hertgen was found dead in his apartment in Princeton, New Jersey, on February 24, 2024. According to authorities, his older brother, 31-year-old Matthew Hertgen, was responsible for his tragic death. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office reported that Joseph passed away after suffering multiple injuries, including blunt force trauma and lacerations. Matthew reportedly used a golf club and a knife to carry out the attack.
According to official reports, Princeton Police first received a 9-1-1 call that Matthew made on the night of the incident. The call took place around 11:16 p.m., and upon their arrival, officers found Joseph’s dead body with multiple wounds. The authorities also discovered that Matthew had killed a cat living in the apartment.
Joseph Hertgen bio
Joseph Hertgen was a former collegiate soccer player who was recently found murdered by his own brother Matthew Hertgen. He was born on January 11, 1998, in Danbury, Connecticut, and he was just 27 years old at the time of his passing. Joseph mostly grew up in Toms River, New Jersey, and was recalled as a dedicated student. Hertgen was a former University of Michigan soccer player, and his death has left the university and his loved ones in shock.
Education and college soccer career
Joseph Hertgen obtained his early education from Toms River North High School, where he played soccer for the school football team. After graduating high school, Joseph attended the University of Michigan from 2016 to 2019, where he played collegiate soccer. Despite playing just three official games, he made key contributions towards the team. Joseph also earned the distinction of being a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree during his time at Michigan.
Investigations and charges
As of now, the case still remains under investigation as police officials work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. Notably, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Matthew Hertgen with first-degree murder. The charges, if convicted, come with a potential sentence of 30 years to life imprisonment. Matthew is also facing charges of possessing weapons. He could face a fine of up to $200,000 for such penalties in New Jersey.
As authorities continue to investigate the case, they are still out looking for any relevant information. Authorities have requested anyone with details about the incident to contact Sgt. Will Jett at 609-331-5010 or Detective Karl Johnston at 609-439-5248.
⚠️WARNING: This post contains graphic descriptions of violence
Matthew Hertgen, 31, from Toms River, New Jersey, was arrested & charged with first-degree murder, weapons offenses, & animal cruelty after killing his brother Joseph Hertgen, 26, & a pet cat. The brutal attack took… pic.twitter.com/05ruxqLNOE
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) February 25, 2025