An 18-year-old freshman soccer player at Pennsylvania Western University, Karoline Heintz, was found dead early Thursday morning, allegedly having been fatally stabbed by her boyfriend, Royce Moser. Police arrested Moser and his mother, Rachel Moser, in connection with the incident.
According to state police, Heintz was discovered deceased in the back of her Jeep Cherokee shortly after midnight on Thursday near the California Borough Library, southwest of Pittsburgh. Authorities stated that Heintz had met with Moser on Wednesday. During a conversation in her vehicle, Moser allegedly retrieved a knife from his home and stabbed Heintz.
Moser then transported Heintz's body to his mother's residence in Beallsville, Pennsylvania, approximately 25 minutes away. Investigators claim Rachel Moser assisted in cleaning the vehicle, provided her son with latex gloves, and disposed of the murder weapon and his clothing. The pair then allegedly drove the Jeep to California Borough, with Rachel Moser following in another vehicle, before abandoning Heintz's body.
Royce Moser has been charged with homicide, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering of evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse, and obstruction of justice. He reportedly told police that a "demon took over" and instructed him to stab Heintz, and also claimed to have been enraged by something she said.
Rachel Moser faces charges including hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering of evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse, and obstruction. She reportedly told investigators, "I'm sorry... That my son took a life."
Heintz was slated to play Division II soccer at PennWest University. The university released a statement expressing deep sadness over her death and offering condolences to her family and friends.