Mom of teen homicide suspect allegedly helped him clean up crime scene
08/22/2026 4:15 pm PDT
CALIFORNIA, Pa. (TCN) -- An 18-year-old and his mother are both facing charges in connection with a fatal stabbing and subsequent crime scene cleanup, authorities say.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by WTAE, recent high school graduate and soccer player Karoline Heintz left her family’s house at about 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 19. Her family tracked her location and reportedly saw she had stopped at the home of her boyfriend, Royce Moser.
Investigators say the couple got into an argument and Moser allegedly became angry at something Heintz told him. He then allegedly stabbed her with a chef’s knife, according to WTAE.
Shortly after midnight on Aug. 20, Heintz was found dead inside her car, which was parked outside a library.
Moser allegedly told investigators that he felt a “demon” take over before stabbing Heintz, according to the criminal complaint. He claimed his mother, Rachel Moser, gave him latex gloves and disinfectant spray to clean Heintz’s car. The two allegedly placed Heintz in the back of her car and dumped the vehicle at the library. Rachel Moser then allegedly advised Royce Moser to take a shower, per WTAE.
Rachel Moser allegedly disposed of the chef’s knife and then laundered her son’s clothing, according to WTAE.
On Aug. 20, Royce Moser was charged with criminal homicide, and Rachel Moser was charged with hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, and obstruction, per WTAE.
The investigation is ongoing.
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