A former University of Michigan athlete was found dead over the weekend, and his older brother has been charged with murder.
Joseph Hertgen, who played soccer for the Wolverines from 2016-19, was found dead at an apartment in Princeton, N.J. on Saturday night. Hertgen’s brother Matthew, 31, made the 911 call, reportedly telling the dispatcher there was a fire and a dead body in a residence on the 600 block of the Michelle Mews Apartments in Palmer Square. Upon arrival, authorities found Matthew there along with Joseph Hertgen’s body.
Joseph was declared dead at the scene, and his body showed signs of lacerations and blunt force trauma. On Monday, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Matthew Hertgen has been arrested and is charged with first-degree murder.
Additionally, Matthew, who also played collegiate soccer at Wesleyan, is facing various third- and fourth-degree weapons offenses for being found with a knife and a golf club, as well as one third-degree count of animal cruelty. A dead cat was also found at the scene.
If convicted, he faces 30 years to life in prison.
Joseph Hertgen was a star soccer player and all-state selection at Toms River North High School before moving on to Michigan. A midfielder, he did not appear in any games as a freshman in 2016 and then missed the entire 2017 season with an injury.
Joseph played in two games for the Maize and Blue in 2018 but did not see action as a senior. He was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree during his career.
A graduate from the prestigious Stephen M. Ross School of Business with a degree in finance and accounting, Joseph worked as a portfolio management analyst with the Red Bank, N.J.-based asset management firm Locus Point Capital.
He previously worked as an asset management analyst for Trimont Real Estate Advisors in Dallas, Tex.
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