Pa. man allegedly killed, dismembered his roommate on his birthday and dumped remains in 3 places

LEHIGH COUNTY, Pa. (TCD) -- A 33-year-old man is charged with criminal homicide for allegedly killing and dismembering his roommate on the victim’s birthday, then scattering his remains in several locations in the area.

According to a press release from the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, David Hittinger was reported missing to Pennsylvania State Police on Monday, May 13. The person who reported him missing said they had not seen Hittinger since 7 p.m. on May 11. State Police contacted the Lehigh Valley District Attorney’s Office, and they began investigating.

WFMZ-TV reports Hittinger was supposed to get together with friends on May 11, but he never showed up. District Attorney Gavin Holihan said, "It was his birthday, so they had planned to meet up with him for his birthday and he hadn’t, and that was what triggered that concern."

The district attorney’s office said investigators learned Hittinger had recently moved into Joshua Moser’s home on West Franklin Street, which led them to execute a search warrant at the residence on May 14.

While there, they reportedly discovered blood evidence as well as hair and skin in the basement and bathtub. Detectives served another search warrant the next day and discovered a saw, box cutter, bloody clothing, and other items of evidentiary value.

That same day, May 15, Moser was arrested in Monroe County on an unrelated parole violation. Additionally, detectives reportedly found some of Hittinger’s remains in several trash bags at a cemetery in Slatington. On May 16, officials located additional body parts on a trail and at a quarry.

The district attorney’s statement said the medical examiner was conducting an autopsy to determine cause of death.

According to the affidavit cited by Lehigh Valley Live, Moser allegedly told investigators he choked Hittinger, then hit him over the head with a hammer during an argument. Hittinger was staying in Moser’s basement because his house recently caught fire.

Moser is being charged in Lehigh County with criminal homicide, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. He is being held without bail.

WFMZ reports Moser was sentenced in 2017 to three to 10 years in prison for killing a 24-year-old while he was driving under the influence. Pennsylvania Department of Corrections records show he was released from prison June 16, 2020.

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