A Pennsylvania teenager and his mother are facing charges in the death of the teen's girlfriend, whose body was discovered in her Jeep on August 20. Royce Moser, 18, is accused of fatally stabbing Karoline Heintz, also 18, after an argument in the vehicle.

According to a criminal complaint, Royce Moser coerced Heintz to his home before the altercation in the car, during which he allegedly stabbed her in the chest and moved her body to the back of her Jeep. Prosecutors allege that Royce Moser then called his mother, Rachel Moser, 56, who subsequently assisted in disposing of Heintz's body.

During a preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented what they described as a significant collection of evidence, including approximately 32 items and testimony from six witnesses, to support their case that the mother and son worked together. Among the evidence shown were images of black kitchen knives found in a large trash bag, with some appearing blood-soaked. Another photo showed blood-soaked fabric or paper falling out of the same bag

Surveillance footage from Blink home security cameras captured the mother and son inside a residence, with Rachel Moser appearing to hold an article of clothing while Royce Moser wore blue latex gloves. Images of blood-stained blue latex gloves were also submitted as evidence. Heintz's SUV showed signs of blood dripping from its exterior trunk area, and blood-stained clothing was discovered inside the trunk, with dried blood also present on the car's door handles. A blood-stained blue latex glove, that the pair appeared to wear in some images, was also found, according to evidence submitted to the court An image submitted to the court also showed blood dripping from the back of Heintz's car

Investigators also presented internet search history and phone records from Royce Moser's phone. Shortly before Heintz was found, searches included queries such as 'What removes fingerprints from objects,' 'How long does ring camera store video,' and religious and legal questions related to murder. One search reportedly read, 'Can a 18 year [old] get the death penalty.' Another query stated, 'What if a demon controled [sic] you [sic] and murder someone.' Police noted that Rachel Moser had initially told them her son claimed 'demons' told him to hurt the victim.

During the hearing, a judge upheld all charges against both mother and son. Royce Moser faces counts including criminal homicide, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse, and obstruction. Rachel Moser is charged with tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, obstruction, and criminal use of a communications device. Neither has entered a plea. The evidence also documented unnerving internet searches and phone history records from Royce's phone. One of his searches read: 'Can a 18 year [old] get the death penalty.' It is unclear how long the pair dated

Karoline Heintz was a first-year student at the California campus of PennWest University, where she was slated to play Division II soccer. She was also a member of her high school hockey team and had aspirations of becoming a physician, planning to study biology and attend medical school. Heintz was slated to play Division II soccer at PennWest University, and she also played hockey for her high school team. She had planned to study biology

Heintz's family issued a statement expressing their devastation and seeking justice. "This is a parent's worst nightmare. It has been devastating for family, friends, and the whole community," the statement read. "Karoline was loved by all. She was a kind, smart, beautiful girl. We want justice for our 'sweet' Karoline."

Friends and teammates held a vigil and a 'sticks out for Karoline' tribute. Online fundraisers have been established to support Heintz's grieving loved ones, with one GoFundMe page raising over $70,000. Royce and Rachel Moser are scheduled to return to court on October 13.

Lawyers for Royce and Rachel Moser were contacted by the Daily Mail for comment.