US News
Pennsylvania teenager and mother charged in fatal stabbing of college student
Authorities allege an 18-year-old killed his girlfriend and his mother helped conceal the crime and dispose of evidence.
The short version
- Royce Moser, 18, has been charged with homicide in the stabbing death of PennWest California University student Karoline Heintz, whose body was discovered inside her vehicle on Aug. 20.
- His mother, Rachel Moser, 56, faces multiple charges for allegedly helping him cover up the crime by disposing of the weapon and cleaning evidence.
- Both suspects are being held without bail in the Washington County jail ahead of a formal arraignment scheduled for Oct. 13.
Key facts
- Karoline Heintz's body was found in the back of her vehicle in Washington County after her father alerted police and tracked her car using an AirTag.[Associated Press]
- According to a police affidavit, Royce Moser stated he became angry during a conversation in the driveway and claimed a 'demon' told him to stab Heintz.[Associated Press]
- Royce Moser is charged with homicide, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, and obstruction of justice.[Associated Press]
- Rachel Moser is accused of following her son to drop off the vehicle, washing his clothes, and attempting to dispose of the knife in a trash bag.[Associated Press]
- Rachel Moser was charged with tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, obstruction of justice, hindering apprehension of a fugitive, and criminal use of a communication device.[Associated Press]
- Both defendants are scheduled for a formal arraignment on Oct. 13 and are currently detained without bail.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The defense strategy remains unknown, as Royce Moser's attorney declined to comment and Rachel Moser's public defender had not responded to requests for comment.[Associated Press]