Princeton man accused of killing younger brother faces judge
Matthew Hertgen, 31, is accused of killing his brother, 26-year-old Joe Hertgen.
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A man accused in the grisly murder of his younger brother appeared before a judge in Mercer County Thursday for the first time since his arrest on Saturday.
While appearing before Mercer County Superior Court Judge Amber Gibbs, 31-year-old Matthew Hertgen was handcuffed and wearing a vest as he was seen on video link from the county jail.
Both Hertgen’s attorney and the prosecutor said that they’ve agreed to meet next week as there’s work to be done before the suspect’s detention is considered and an initial plea can be heard.
“At this time, I’m requesting a three-day statutory adjournment. I’m still in the process of obtaining and providing discovery," said Assistant Prosecutor Tim McCann.
The Hertgen and his brother Joe lived together at the Michelle Mews apartment complex in Princeton. It's a high-rent area two blocks from the prestigious Ivy League university.
Police have revealed that last Saturday night, they were called to the Hertgens’ second-floor apartment. Police say it was Matthew Hertgen, the prime suspect in this case, who called 911 to report a fire and body in the apartment.
Once officers made it to the apartment, police say they found the body of his younger brother, 26-year-old Joe, who had been beaten and slashed. They also say officers found the family cat dead.
Leading up to this act, Hertgen had posted disturbing and violent poetry on social media.
At this time, a motive for his alleged attack on his brother is unknown.
During Thursday's court hearing, Hertgen didn't have a chance to speak. As it ended, the accused stood up, waved to his attorney and walked back to his jail cell.
There were no family members in the courtroom.
Hertgen is expected to be in court for his detention hearing next Thursday.
