Princeton preppy murder victim received warning text from other brother right before slaying
Share and Follow

Court documents recently disclosed indicate that the surviving brother of Matthew Hertgen, a suspect in the Princeton preppy murder case, had warned their youngest sibling about their brother’s struggles with “visions” just before the young brother was brutally killed.

Matthew Hertgen, aged 31, allegedly used a knife and a golf club to kill his 26-year-old brother, Joseph Hertgen, in a Princeton apartment towards the end of last month. Shockingly, he then proceeded to remove his brother’s eye and consume it.

Another brother later informed the authorities that he had messaged Joseph, advising him to reach out if he needed assistance in handling their troubled sibling, as detailed in a statement of probable cause obtained by NJ.com.


Matthew Hertgen, 31, is accused of using a knife and a golf club to slash and beat his 26-year-old brother, Joseph Hertgen, to death in a Princeton, New Jersey apartment late last month
Matthew Hertgen, 31, is accused of using a knife and a golf club to slash and beat his 26-year-old brother, Joseph Hertgen, to death in a Princeton, New Jersey apartment late last month. Thomas P. Costello / Asbury Park Press / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“Will do,” Joseph responded — about an hour before he was hacked to death, the filing shows.

The surviving brother, who had spent several hours with Hertgen the day of the slaying, later told investigators his sibling had struggled with mental health and had been “extremely distressed, despondent and experiencing terrifying visions” in the lead up to the killing.

“Wanting to help him, [the surviving brother] picked Matthew up at [redacted] at approximately 4:30 p.m. [The surviving brother] and Matthew went to the grocery store and then to [the surviving brother’s] residence … where they remained until approximately 10:00 p.m.,” the probable cause statement said.


Victim Joseph Hertgen was allegedly murdered by his own brother last weekend.
Victim Joseph Hertgen was allegedly murdered by his own brother last month. Locust Point Capital

The surviving brother then dropped Hertgen back at the apartment where Joseph was.

After sending the eerie warning message to Joseph, the other brother also texted Hertgen to invite him on a hike the following day and urged him to “Hang in there.” 

Less than 45 minutes later, Hertgen then called 911 to report his alleged twisted rampage, which authorities said also involved setting the family’s cat on fire.

The grim details emerged as Hertgen — a former college soccer star — faced Mercer County Superior Court on Thursday on murder and animal cruelty charges.

The accused killer faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted.

Authorities still haven’t revealed a motive for Hertgen’s alleged spiral into homicidal madness.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Grave concerns for Elon Musk's health as doctor spots worrying sign

Health Alert: Expert Raises Alarming Concerns Over Elon Musk’s Well-Being After Recent Medical Evaluation

A prominent physician has expressed worries about Elon Musk’s well-being, citing visible…
FILE - Women walk down a street in the predominantly Somali neighborhood of Cedar-Riverside in Minneapolis on May 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski, File)

Refugee Community Questions Impact of White House Restrictions on America’s Future

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Reflecting on the past two decades, one woman recalls…
Doctors' warning over $2.50 autism pill that has transformed lives

Doctors Caution Against Popular $2.50 Autism Pill Despite Life-Changing Claims

Medical professionals are raising concerns about a low-cost drug, touted as an…
An Oct. 30, 2025, booking photo of Cody Skaggs from the Kent County jail.

Former Convict in 1996 Murder Case Arrested After High-Speed Chase and Break-In at Retirement Home

PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) – A man who led police on a…
Dishing With Diane: Kappy's American Grill on Dempster Street in Morton Grove

Discover the Ultimate Dining Experience at Kappy’s American Grill: A Morton Grove Gem on Dempster Street

The beloved segment “Dishing with Diane” has made its much-anticipated return, bringing…
Hegseth tells China's defense chief US will 'stoutly defend its interests'

US Asserts Firm Stance on Defense Interests in Talks with China’s Defense Chief

On Friday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a firm message to China’s…
Ana de Armas was 'uncomfortable' with fast-paced Tom Cruise romance

Inside Ana de Armas’ Unsettling Experience with Tom Cruise’s Whirlwind Romance

Ana de Armas has reportedly called off her relationship with Tom Cruise,…
Utah redistricting battle: Small city split into four congressional districts

Utah’s Redistricting Shakeup: Discover How a Tiny City Became a Political Battleground

Millcreek, Utah, with its population of 65,000, has unexpectedly become the focal…