An 18-year-old girl was found dead inside the rear hatch area of her boyfriend’s Jeep near a library in Pennsylvania after he allegedly stabbed her to death, according to authorities.
Police discovered Karoline Heintz—an 18-year-old student at PennWest University in California—with “noticeable blood spatter” inside and outside the vehicle. The incident occurred when Heintz met her boyfriend Royce Mosher outside his father’s residence in North Strabane on Wednesday to discuss their relationship. During that conversation, Mosher reportedly became angry and claimed a “demon” took over, telling him to stab Heintz. Court documents stated Mosher told Heintz, “Wait, I have something for you,” went inside to retrieve a knife, and returned to stab her in the chest.
Afterward, Mosher placed Heintz in the rear hatch of his Jeep and drove to his mother Rachel Mosher’s home in Beallsville. The mother allegedly assisted by cleaning the vehicle with sprays and providing latex gloves for her son. She instructed him to drive the Jeep near a library with Heintz inside before using their cars to return home.
Rachel Mosher and Royce Mosher were arrested Thursday and 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. Both are being held without bail as they await preliminary hearings on Monday.
Heintz’s family described her as “a kind, smart, beautiful girl” who was loved by many. Her parents stated: “This is a parent’s worst nightmare.” PennWest University expressed deep sadness over the incident, noting Heintz was a first-year student and member of its California women’s soccer team.
