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A boyfriend and his mother have been charged after an 18-year-old college student was found dead in her own vehicle, as court documents reveal a disturbing explanation.
Royce Moser, 18, was arrested on Friday (August 21) and accused of killing his girlfriend, Karoline Heintz, whose body was discovered in the back of a Jeep on Thursday.
His mother, Rachel Moser, 56, has also been charged after police alleged she helped her son hide Heintz's body and destroy evidence following her death.
According to the New York Times, the affidavit states that Royce told Washington County, Pennsylvania, investigators that Heintz arrived at his home at around 10 p.m. on Wednesday (August 19).
The couple spoke while Heintz was sitting in her car in his driveway, Royce allegedly told police.
He said they began arguing and he became angry, although he claimed he could not remember what the argument was about.
"He then had a 'demon take over' him and tell him to stab Karoline," the affidavit stated. "He told her 'Wait, I have something for you' and went inside of the residence to get a knife. He then came back outside and stabbed her in the chest."
Royce allegedly told investigators that he put Heintz's body in the trunk before calling his mother.
Per the affidavit, he claimed Rachel instructed him to drive to her home so she could help clean the vehicle.
Police allege the pair subsequently drove Heintz's vehicle to a university parking lot and abandoned it while her body remained inside.
The affidavit also claims they returned home, washed Royce's clothes, and threw away the alleged weapon. Police later found a chef's knife in the household garbage can.
Shortly after midnight on Thursday, cops received a call asking them to investigate the Jeep.
Officers discovered Heintz's body after arriving at the vehicle.
Police arrested Royce on charges of 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.
Rachel has been charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse, and obstruction of justice.
Heintz was a defender and had been preparing to make her collegiate debut for the PennWest California Vulcans the following week, according to the team's website.
Following news of her death, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference paid tribute to the 18-year-old student-athlete.
"California Athletics is devastated by the tragic loss of our student-athlete Karoline Heintz," the organization said in a statement. "Karoline was a bright and kind young woman with so much ahead of her. She will always remain in our hearts. Our deepest condolences are with her family, friends, teammates, coaches and all who knew and loved her."
Heintz's parents have also spoken out, describing losing their daughter as a "parent’s worst nightmare," per The New York Post.
"It has been devastating for family, friends, and the whole community," Heintz’s family said in a statement issued through the Pennsylvania State Police Friday.
The family remembered the 18-year-old for the impact she had on those around her while calling for justice for her death.
"Karoline was loved by all. She was a kind, smart, beautiful girl. We want justice for our ‘sweet’ Karoline," they added.
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