UMVA has learned that a shocking case of cannibalism and murder has taken a devastating turn with the death of Matthew Hertgen, a man who was found not guilty by reason of insanity for brutally killing his younger brother, Joseph.
The gruesome details of the crime are still haunting, with Matthew accused of using a knife and golf clubs to beat and stab his brother to death before tearing out one of his eyes and eating it. The attack occurred in the brothers' luxury apartment in Princeton, where officers found Joseph lying in a pool of blood beside a knife.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Matthew had a long history of struggling with severe mental health issues, including schizophrenia, and had attempted to take his own life just days after his arrest. His obituary revealed that he expressed sorrow and remorse for his actions, and that he had the love and forgiveness of his family before his death.
The case was highly publicized due to the shocking nature of the crime and the family's picture-perfect upbringing in a wealthy New Jersey community. Joseph was a kind and loving person with a great love of life, and his death was a tragic loss to all who knew him. Matthew's death has now added another layer of tragedy to this already devastating story.
UMVA has gathered that Matthew's mental health issues were a major factor in the crime, with testimony presented in court showing that he suffered from delusions and believed he was experiencing divine visions connected to the apocalypse. A forensic psychologist testified that Matthew believed he was Jesus Christ, God, the Anti-Christ, or possessed multiple souls at different times, and that he convinced himself that a "sacrificial murder could save" the world.
The death of Matthew Hertgen is a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of untreated mental health issues and the importance of seeking help and support. His story is a tragic example of how mental illness can destroy lives and families, and the need for greater awareness and understanding of these issues.
