Topline: An aspiring doctor and college soccer player was killed before starting university, and her boyfriend and his mother have entered not-guilty pleas in the case.
Published: October 15, 2026 10:04 pm ET
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Karoline Heintz, left, and Royce Moser
CALIFORNIA, PA — The boyfriend accused of killing incoming college soccer player Karoline Heintz and his mother, who is accused of helping conceal the killing, have pleaded not guilty.
Royce Moser and Rachel Moser entered their pleas at arraignments Tuesday morning, according to WPXI. Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh has requested a jury trial.
Police allege Royce Moser stabbed Heintz, his girlfriend, to death in August. His mother is accused of helping him cover up the crime. Heintz’s body was found near the California Public Library in Washington County.
According to police, Royce Moser claimed a demon had taken control of him and told him to stab Heintz. That account is his reported claim, not an established explanation for the killing.
Heintz was preparing to begin her studies at PennWest California University and hoped to become a doctor. She was a member of the university’s women’s soccer team, but was killed before her freshman year began.
Her former teammates are holding a fundraiser in her memory throughout the school year. WPXI’s arraignment report did not identify a trial date.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
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Boyfriend and His Mother Plead Not Guilty in Karoline Heintz Killing
An aspiring doctor and college soccer player was killed before starting university, and her boyfriend and his mother have entered not-guilty pleas in the case.
By Silvia Torres
Published: October 15, 2026 10:04 pm ET
Karoline Heintz, left, and Royce Moser
CALIFORNIA, PA — The boyfriend accused of killing incoming college soccer player Karoline Heintz and his mother, who is accused of helping conceal the killing, have pleaded not guilty.
Royce Moser and Rachel Moser entered their pleas at arraignments Tuesday morning, according to WPXI. Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh has requested a jury trial.
Police allege Royce Moser stabbed Heintz, his girlfriend, to death in August. His mother is accused of helping him cover up the crime. Heintz’s body was found near the California Public Library in Washington County.
According to police, Royce Moser claimed a demon had taken control of him and told him to stab Heintz. That account is his reported claim, not an established explanation for the killing.
Heintz was preparing to begin her studies at PennWest California University and hoped to become a doctor. She was a member of the university’s women’s soccer team, but was killed before her freshman year began.
Her former teammates are holding a fundraiser in her memory throughout the school year. WPXI’s arraignment report did not identify a trial date.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Boyfriend and His Mother Plead Not Guilty in Karoline Heintz Killing
An aspiring doctor and college soccer player was killed before starting university, and her boyfriend and his mother have entered not-guilty pleas in the case.
By Silvia Torres
Published: October 15, 2026 10:04 pm ET
Karoline Heintz, left, and Royce Moser
CALIFORNIA, PA — The boyfriend accused of killing incoming college soccer player Karoline Heintz and his mother, who is accused of helping conceal the killing, have pleaded not guilty.
Royce Moser and Rachel Moser entered their pleas at arraignments Tuesday morning, according to WPXI. Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh has requested a jury trial.
Police allege Royce Moser stabbed Heintz, his girlfriend, to death in August. His mother is accused of helping him cover up the crime. Heintz’s body was found near the California Public Library in Washington County.
According to police, Royce Moser claimed a demon had taken control of him and told him to stab Heintz. That account is his reported claim, not an established explanation for the killing.
Heintz was preparing to begin her studies at PennWest California University and hoped to become a doctor. She was a member of the university’s women’s soccer team, but was killed before her freshman year began.
Her former teammates are holding a fundraiser in her memory throughout the school year. WPXI’s arraignment report did not identify a trial date.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
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