A Pennsylvania police officer screamed in shock and disbelief upon discovering the body of 18-year-old Karoline Heintz in the trunk of her Jeep on August 20, according to newly released bodycam footage. Heintz, a college freshman and aspiring physician, was found stabbed to death in California, Pennsylvania, a small town approximately 36 miles from Pittsburgh.
Her boyfriend, Royce Moser, also 18, has been arrested and charged in connection with her suspected murder. His mother, Rachel Moser, 56, is also facing charges for allegedly assisting her son in disposing of Heintz's body. Neither suspect has yet entered a plea.
The disturbing discovery unfolded after Heintz's parents reported her missing and an Apple AirTag placed her location near the California Public Library. A California Borough Police Department officer, responding to the report, located Heintz's gray Jeep. Upon spotting her body in the trunk, the officer alerted his partner and dispatchers, shouting, "Hey! I need EMS here right now! I got an unconscious female in the back of the car."
Responding officers, clad in latex gloves, confirmed Heintz was not breathing and that there was "blood everywhere." The officer broke the driver's side window to gain access to the vehicle's interior before attempting to open the trunk. Firefighters and paramedics were then called to the scene.
According to a criminal complaint, Royce Moser allegedly coerced Heintz to his home, where an argument escalated. He claimed "a demon take over" before retrieving a knife from inside the house. He then allegedly stabbed Heintz in the chest, causing her to fall from the car. He is accused of dragging her body to the trunk and subsequently contacting his mother.
During a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, prosecutors presented evidence, including six witnesses and 32 exhibits, aiming to prove the mother and son conspired to kill Heintz and conceal her body. Evidence included images of a kitchen knife set found in a garbage bag, home surveillance footage of the pair after the incident, and images of them driving in a blue sedan while wearing blue latex gloves. Internet searches from Royce Moser's phone were also presented, including one asking, "What if a demon controled [sic] yoi [sic] and murder someone."
Royce Moser faces charges including criminal homicide, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, and obstruction of law. Rachel Moser is charged with tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, and obstruction, with an additional count of criminal use of a communications device added on Tuesday. A judge has upheld all charges against both individuals.
Heintz was a freshman at PennWest University, where she was slated to play Division II soccer. She was studying biology with aspirations of attending LECOM medical school and becoming a physician. In a statement, the university expressed deep sadness over her death and extended condolences to her family and friends.
Heintz's family released a statement describing her as a "kind, smart, beautiful girl" and expressing their devastation. They requested privacy as they grieve and seek justice for their daughter. An online fundraiser has been established to support the family, with one GoFundMe page raising over $70,000.
Royce Moser's attorney offered no comment on the matter. Royce and Rachel Moser are scheduled to return to court on October 13.