Who Was Joseph Hertgen? Former Michigan Wolverine Found Dead In Horrifying Apartment Murder
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Authorities have charged his older brother, 31-year-old Matthew Hertgen, with first-degree murder in connection with Joseph's death.
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| Former Michigan Wolverine Found Dead In Horrifying Apartment Murder |
The Incident
On the night of February 22, at approximately 11:16 p.m., Princeton Police responded to a 911 call from Matthew Hertgen, reporting a fire and a deceased individual at the Michelle Mews Apartments, a luxury complex near Princeton University's campus.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of Joseph Hertgen, exhibiting signs of blunt force trauma and lacerations. A deceased cat was also found at the scene. Investigators allege that Matthew used a knife and a golf club in the attacks on his brother and the cat. He has been charged with first-degree murder, weapons offenses, and animal cruelty. If convicted, Matthew faces up to 30 years to life in prison.
Learn more: Who is Matthew Hertgen? NJ Murder Suspect in Killing Young Brother, Ex Soccer Star
Who was Joseph Hertgen: A Promising Life Cut Short
Born on January 11, 1998, in Danbury, Connecticut, Joseph David Hertgen was raised in Toms River, New Jersey. He attended Toms River North High School, where he excelled in soccer, earning accolades such as New Jersey Central II All-State honors in 2015 and being named Offensive Player of the Year and MVP in both 2014 and 2015.
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| Joseph Hertgen (left) with a teammate at Michigan |
Joseph continued his soccer career at the University of Michigan, playing as a midfielder from 2016 to 2019. Despite an injury that sidelined him during his sophomore year, he made a notable comeback, participating in matches against South Florida and Marquette in subsequent seasons. His dedication extended beyond the field; he was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and received the U-M Athletic Academic Achievement award each year from 2017 to 2019. Joseph graduated from Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business with a bachelor's degree in finance and accounting.
Professionally, Joseph embarked on a career in asset management. He worked as an analyst at Locust Point Capital, a firm based in Red Bank, New Jersey. Prior to this role, he gained experience at Trimont Real Estate Advisors in Dallas, Texas. Colleagues and friends described Joseph as a dedicated professional with a bright future in the financial sector.
The Hertgen Family
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| Preppy Princeton, NJ murder suspect charged with killing ex soccer star little brother |
The Hertgen family has a rich history in athletics. Joseph's older brother, Matthew, also showcased talent in soccer, playing at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Both brothers were standout players at Toms River North High School, sharing a passion for the sport that continued into their collegiate years. However, friends of the family noted growing tension between the brothers in recent years, primarily due to personal and financial disputes.
Community Reaction
The tragic events have left the Princeton community in disbelief. Residents of the upscale Michelle Mews Apartments, where units can rent for over $6,300 a month, expressed shock over the incident occurring in their typically serene neighborhood. One neighbor recounted seeing unmarked police cars and initially thinking a celebrity might be visiting, only to later learn of the devastating news.
Joseph’s former teammates and colleagues have expressed deep sorrow over his untimely death. The University of Michigan's athletic department released a statement honoring Joseph's legacy both on and off the field, highlighting his commitment, leadership, and positive impact on those around him.
Ongoing Investigation
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| Matt Hertgen has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his younger brother |
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Joseph's death. The official cause of death will be determined following an autopsy. Meanwhile, Matthew remains in custody, facing serious charges that could lead to a life sentence if convicted. Initial court documents suggest that Matthew may undergo a psychological evaluation to determine his mental state at the time of the incident.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the unpredictability of domestic disputes and the profound impact such tragedies have on families and communities alike. The Hertgen family, friends, and colleagues continue to mourn the loss of a promising young man whose life was cut tragically short.
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