A footballer who killed his brother and ate his eyeball has been discovered dead in his prison cell after he was found not criminally responsible for murder
A former footballer who killed his own brother before eating his eye has been found dead in prison.
Matthew Hertgen played for Toms River North in New Jersey, before killing his younger brother at their lavish apartment with a golf club. Joseph Hertgen’s body was discovered in what police called a “gruesome” and “way overboard” scene.
Cops said after killing his brother, Hertgen took out Joseph’s eyeball and ate it. He also set fire to the family cat after carrying out the murder. Hertgen’s trial ended on May 8 – where he was found not criminally responsible for murder by reason of insanity.
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Forensic psychologist Dr Gianni Pirelli said Hertgen suffered from “prophetic and divine visions” and during his trial testified he had schizophrenia and saw “tremendous visions” when he closed his eyes.
Dr Pirelli added Hertgen believed the world was going to end and only a “sacrificial murder could save it.”
He was found dead in his Mercer County Jail cell, with no official cause of death yet released.
Hertgen is survived by his parents David Smith and Debra Ann Hertgen and his elder brother, David.
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In his obituary, the family said that he is “remembered as a caring and loving person”.
“During his later years, Matthew struggled with severe and profound mental health issues; yet he expressed sorrow, remorse, and repentance in many ways,” they wrote.
“He departed with the love, friendship and forgiveness of his family and the eternal hope of salvation. May he rest in peace.”
The family also encouraged donations for NAMI Mercer, a non-profit organisation that works with residents of Mercer County, N.J., who are affected by mental illness.