An 18-year-old Pennsylvania college soccer player was fatally stabbed by her boyfriend, who then enlisted his mother’s help to dispose of the body, authorities said. Royce Moser, 18, has been charged with homicide, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a corpse in the death of Karoline Heintz, 18, a freshman defender at PennWest California.
Police recovered Heintz’s body from the rear hatch of her Jeep Cherokee near the California Public Library in Washington County at approximately 12:24 a.m. Thursday, following a welfare check initiated by her family. Investigators found blood inside and outside the vehicle before locating her body.
Moser and Heintz met outside his father’s residence in North Strabane Township on Wednesday evening to discuss their relationship amid Heintz’s transition to college. According to Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Rocco Gagliardi, the conversation turned contentious before Moser retrieved a large kitchen knife from the home and stabbed Heintz in the chest. She fell from the vehicle, and Moser placed her body in the rear hatch before driving to his mother’s home in Beallsville.
Rachel Moser, 44, has been charged with hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy, and obstruction. Authorities allege she assisted her son by scrubbing the Jeep with disinfectant, providing latex gloves, and washing his clothes. She also allegedly disposed of the murder weapon and instructed Moser to follow her vehicle toward the university, where they left the Jeep with Heintz’s body still inside.
Moser told investigators a “demon” compelled him to commit the stabbing, according to court documents. He claimed the entity instructed him to kill Heintz after she made a remark that angered him. Police recovered the knife used in the attack during a search of the Moser residence.
Heintz’s family reported her missing after she failed to return to campus housing. They used an Apple AirTag to track her Jeep to the parking lot, prompting a 911 call. Investigators described the killing as a domestic situation, with Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh confirming the couple was dating.
Moser faces additional charges, including conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice. Rachel Moser remains held on multiple felony counts. The case is ongoing, with further court proceedings pending.