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The disturbing case drew national attention because of the violent nature of the killing, the defendant’s documented psychotic delusions and the courtroom testimony detailing severe mental illness.

Officials have not yet released a final autopsy report, but authorities are treating the death as an apparent suicide.

Brutal Killing Resulted in Not Guilty Verdict

Matthew Hertgen had faced charges including first-degree murder, weapons offenses and animal cruelty after prosecutors said he killed his younger brother, Joseph Hertgen, inside the victim’s New Jersey home in February 2025.

Police responded after Matthew Hertgen called 911 and reported that his brother was dead on the floor of the residence.

According to investigators, officers arriving at the scene discovered Joseph Hertgen suffering from catastrophic injuries, including blunt force trauma and deep lacerations. Authorities said the victim had been attacked with both a knife and a golf club.

Investigators also reported discovering a dead cat inside the home. The animal had allegedly been beaten, stabbed and set on fire, leading to additional animal cruelty charges.

Information regarding criminal court proceedings in New Jersey can be found through the New Jersey Courts official website.

Psychologist Testified Defendant Experienced “Visions” and was Not Guilty

During the March 2026 bench trial, forensic psychologist Gianni Pirelli testified that Matthew Hertgen suffered from schizophrenia and severe psychotic delusions.

Pirelli described the defendant’s mental illness as one of the most severe cases he had encountered professionally.

According to testimony, Hertgen experienced hallucinations and religious-themed delusions beginning in 2021. The psychologist said the defendant believed he had been overtaken by a powerful spirit and struggled to distinguish reality from psychosis.

“He’s still trying to understand what all these thoughts or beliefs are,” Pirelli testified during court proceedings.

The psychologist also stated that Hertgen believed the force affecting him was stronger than medication or psychiatric treatment.

Mental health advocacy resources are available through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which provides education and support for individuals and families dealing with serious mental illness.

Defendant Was Not Guilty and Legally Insane

At the conclusion of the one-day trial, Robert Lytle ruled that Matthew Hertgen was legally insane at the time of the killing.

Both prosecutors and defense experts reportedly agreed that the defendant was suffering from severe mental illness during the attack.

Under New Jersey law, defendants found not guilty by reason of insanity are typically committed to psychiatric supervision and remain under court oversight while their mental condition is evaluated.

Hertgen had remained in custody pending a scheduled court hearing that was expected to review his psychiatric status and determine future treatment or confinement plans.

Additional information about mental health courts and criminal proceedings is available through the American Psychological Association.

Death Days After Not Gulty Verdict Before Court Hearing

Authorities confirmed that Hertgen was found dead in his jail cell shortly before he was scheduled to appear in court again on May 29.

Officials have not released extensive details surrounding the death, though preliminary reports indicate investigators believe it was a suicide.

The death adds another tragic chapter to a case already marked by violence, mental illness and emotional trauma for surviving family members.

Mental health experts have long warned about the challenges faced by inmates suffering from severe psychiatric disorders while in custody.

The National Institute of Mental Health states that schizophrenia and related psychotic illnesses can significantly impair perception, reasoning and emotional stability when left untreated or poorly controlled.

Family Remembered Killer as Loving Despite Struggles

An online obituary published following Hertgen’s death described him as “a caring and loving person” who graduated from Wesleyan University and later worked in the telecommunications industry.

The obituary also acknowledged his years-long struggle with severe mental illness.

“During his later years, Matthew struggled with profound mental health issues; yet he expressed sorrow, remorse, and repentance in many ways,” the obituary stated.

Family members reportedly requested that donations be made to the Mercer County chapter of NAMI in recognition of the mental health issues connected to the tragedy.

The case has renewed public discussion about schizophrenia, criminal responsibility, psychiatric treatment and how the legal system handles defendants suffering from severe psychosis.