A Pennsylvania college student and soccer player was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend, who told investigators a "demon" compelled him to commit the act, according to court documents. The suspect's mother is accused of assisting her son in the aftermath.
Karoline Heintz, 18, an incoming freshman at Pennsylvania Western University, was found deceased in the rear hatch of her vehicle on Thursday near the university's library. Police responded after she failed to return to campus.
Royce Moser, 18, the victim's boyfriend, allegedly confessed to investigators that he stabbed Heintz after an argument. Court documents state Moser claimed a "demon took over" him and instructed him to attack Heintz. According to the criminal complaint, Moser told Heintz to "wait I have something for you" before retrieving a knife from his father's residence and stabbing her in the chest. He then reportedly placed her body in the rear hatch of her vehicle.
Investigators allege that Moser's mother, Rachel Moser, subsequently assisted her son. He reportedly called his mother after the stabbing, and she instructed him to bring Heintz's vehicle to her house. There, she allegedly provided him with latex gloves and directed him to pull the car into the garage, where she offered to help clean the vehicle with disinfectant spray. She also allegedly disposed of the knife used in the attack and washed her son's clothing.
Royce Moser has been charged with homicide, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse, and obstruction of justice. His mother faces charges including hindering apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse, and obstruction of justice.
Pennsylvania Western University released a statement expressing sorrow over Heintz's death. "PennWest University is heartbroken by the tragic death of Karoline Heintz, a first-year student-athlete at the California campus. Our deepest condolences are with Karoline’s family, friends, teammates, and all those whose lives she touched. We are focused on supporting members of our university community as they grieve this devastating loss."