Gruesome Murder in Princeton: Man Charged with Killing Brother and Animal Cruelty

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A 31-year-old man, Matthew Hertgen, has been charged with the murder of his younger brother, Joseph Hertgen, 26, in a shocking incident at their Princeton, New Jersey apartment. Authorities allege that Matthew brutally attacked Joseph using both a knife and a golf club, mutilating his body and reportedly consuming part of it, including an eyeball. Police were summoned to the scene after Matthew called 911, only to discover the gruesome crime scene, which included a bloody knife and the charred remains of the family cat.

The incident took place late Saturday night at the Michelle Mews complex, and police sources described the brutality as "way overboard," shocking the local community, known for its familial integrity. Prior to the attack, Matthew had posted a disturbing poem on Facebook that referenced violence and death, raising concerns about his mental state, according to The NY Post.

Matthew faces multiple charges including first-degree murder and animal cruelty, with potential life imprisonment if convicted. His brother, an alumnus of the University of Michigan and a financial analyst, was remembered by the community as a promising individual. An official autopsy will determine the cause of death.

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