A Pennsylvania college student’s death has taken an extremely disturbing turn after authorities say her 18-year-old boyfriend admitted to stabbing her — while allegedly claiming a “demon” told him to do it.
Royce Moser, 18, of North Strabane Township, Pennsylvania, is facing a homicide charge in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Karoline Heintz, a student at PennWest California University. Authorities say Heintz’s body was discovered inside her vehicle after she failed to return to campus.
According to the criminal complaint, Moser allegedly told investigators that he and Heintz were involved in an argument when a “demon” compelled him to stab her.
But investigators say the situation became even more disturbing after the alleged killing.
Authorities claim Moser moved Heintz’s body into the back of her vehicle and eventually drove the vehicle to a university parking lot. His mother, Rachel Moser, is also facing charges after investigators accused her of helping her son deal with the aftermath of the alleged crime.
Police were eventually able to locate Heintz’s vehicle after her father provided information from an Apple AirTag that helped investigators track its location.
When officers arrived, they made a horrifying discovery.
Newly released body-camera footage reportedly shows officers locating Heintz’s body inside the vehicle and responding to the scene. The footage has since added another layer of shock to a case that was already raising major questions.
Investigators also allege that Rachel Moser attempted to help her son cover up what happened. According to authorities, she allegedly instructed him to clean himself and helped with the disposal of the knife believed to have been used in the stabbing.
Police later recovered the weapon through a search warrant, according to the criminal complaint. Rachel Moser faces several charges, including allegations involving evidence tampering, obstruction and hindering apprehension.
Both Royce and Rachel Moser are being held without bail, according to authorities. A formal arraignment is scheduled for October 13.
The case has understandably sparked intense reactions online, particularly over the teenager’s alleged explanation that a “demon” instructed him to kill his girlfriend.
Whether that claim will play any role in his defense remains to be seen.
For now, prosecutors are moving forward with the homicide case, while the allegations against both Royce and Rachel Moser remain accusations that must be proven in court.
And the biggest question hanging over the case is one that many people are already asking:
Was this really a case of a teenager believing he was controlled by something — or is the “demon” story simply an attempt to explain an alleged murder?
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