Heintz, a freshman defender at Division II PennWest California, was found dead in the back of a Jeep Cherokee near the California Public Library, roughly 35 miles south of downtown Pittsburgh, according to officials. Law enforcement began a welfare check after family members reported that she never made it to the university. Investigators believe Heintz had met with her boyfriend, 18-year-old Royce Moser, outside his father’s residence in North Strabane to talk. Police said Moser got angry, went inside the house, grabbed a large kitchen knife, and stabbed Heintz in the chest.
Karoline Heintz found dead in a Jeep Cherokee
Statement from Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh
We believe it (the murder) was originally the result of a domestic situation,
Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh told reporters.
Rachel Moser helps clean up the vehicle
According to police, the suspect placed Heintz’s body in the rear hatch of the Jeep and drove to his mother’s residence in Beallsville. There, his mother, Rachel Moser, wiped down the vehicle with cleaning sprays, gave her son latex gloves, and instructed him to follow her toward the university. The two left the Jeep Cherokee near the California Public Library with Heintz still inside, after which Rachel Moser drove her son back to her home, where he showered and cleaned his clothes, police said.
A police affidavit states that the mother later told investigators her son admitted to the attack, telling her that “demons” had instructed him to hurt the victim. Royce Moser has been charged with homicide, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse, and obstruction of justice.
The PennWest California women’s soccer team released a statement describing Heintz as a happy, bubbly teammate who was always smiling on and off the field.
Keep reading