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Pennsylvania State Police arrested 18-year-old Royce Moser and his mother, Rachel Moser, on Thursday in connection with the stabbing death of Karoline Heintz. Investigators discovered the body of Heintz, an 18-year-old incoming college student, in the back of her vehicle parked near the California Public Library in Washington County shortly after midnight Thursday.
According to police, Heintz and Royce Moser met Wednesday night at a residence in North Strabane Township to discuss their relationship. Police allege that during this meeting, Moser retrieved a kitchen knife and stabbed Heintz in the chest. Moser reportedly told investigators that "demons" had instructed him to commit the act. Authorities have not stated whether Moser has a history of mental health concerns.
Following the stabbing, police say Moser placed Heintz in the rear hatch of her Jeep and drove to his mother’s home in Beallsville. Investigators allege that Rachel Moser helped her son attempt to clean blood from the vehicle and their clothing. The two then allegedly drove the Jeep to the library location, where it was abandoned. Police report that Rachel Moser later provided her son with latex gloves and instructed him to change his clothes.
Royce Moser faces charges of criminal homicide, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, and obstruction. Rachel Moser has been charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, obstruction, and abuse of a corpse. During her arrest, Rachel Moser told reporters she was sorry "because my son took a life." Heintz was a recent graduate of Peters Township High School and a member of the PennWest University California women’s soccer team.
The legal proceedings involve two defendants facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges within the Washington County judicial system. Under Pennsylvania law, a conviction for criminal homicide can carry a sentence of life imprisonment. The scale of the investigation involved multiple jurisdictions, including North Strabane Township, Beallsville, and California Borough, as well as the Pennsylvania State Police.
The incident will result in immediate changes for the PennWest soccer program and the university community as they manage the loss of an incoming student. Legal proceedings for both Royce and Rachel Moser are expected to continue through the Pennsylvania court system. The exact dates for their preliminary hearings or future court appearances have not yet been reported.