A New Jersey man accused of brutally killing his brother and allegedly attempting to eat his eyeball has reportedly attempted suicide in his jail cell, according to the New York Post.
Suspect Found Hanging in Jail Cell
Matthew Hertgen, 31, tried to hang himself at Mercer County Correction Center just hours after appearing in court via video for his murder charges, sources told the New York Post.
Hertgen is accused of murdering his 26-year-old brother, Joseph Hertgen, at their luxury Princeton apartment on Feb. 22. Authorities believe he used a knife and golf club in the attack and may have ripped out his brother’s eye and attempted to eat it, according to law enforcement sources.
Shocking Crime Scene and Animal Cruelty Charge
Princeton police responded to a 911 call at 11:16 p.m. on the night of the incident, reporting a fire and a dead body at the Michelle Mews Apartments.
Officers found Matthew Hertgen—who had made the 911 call—inside the apartment, along with his brother’s lifeless body, which displayed blunt force trauma and deep lacerations, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office stated.
Authorities also charged Hertgen with animal cruelty after the family’s cat was found set on fire at the scene.
Funeral Held for Victim Joseph Hertgen
Joseph Hertgen’s wake was held on Friday, with his funeral taking place today at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church in Toms River, per his obituary.
“He played on many sports teams, loved traveling with his friends, and always enjoyed a good game of ping pong or chess,” his obituary reads. “He was such a kind person, had a great love of life, and his smile brightened every room.”
Suspect’s Troubling Past and Mental Health Concerns
Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the crime. However, disturbing details from Matthew Hertgen’s past have emerged.
His Facebook profile reportedly contained graphic poetry in May and September 2024, describing blood oozing from eyes and knives sharpening.
Friends described him as intelligent but struggling with mental health issues.
“There’s absolutely no doubt he’s got a psychiatric disorder,” said defense attorney Daniel Gotlin, who has experience handling insanity defense cases.
Experts believe Hertgen’s legal team may pursue an insanity plea, which could result in his commitment to a mental health facility rather than prison.
What’s Next? Upcoming Pre-Trial Hearing Scheduled
A pre-trial hearing has been rescheduled for March 6 to allow both prosecutors and the defense more time to gather evidence and build their cases.
As the investigation continues, legal experts say Matthew Hertgen may never be released if he is committed to a psychiatric facility due to the violent nature of the crime.
