Karoline Heintz was 18 years old, newly graduated from high school and days away from beginning her freshman year as a college soccer player.

She never made it back to campus.

Pennsylvania investigators say her boyfriend, Royce Moser, stabbed her in the chest, placed her body in the rear of her own Jeep and then called his mother for help.

When police asked the 18-year-old suspect why he did it, court records say he blamed a “demon.”

That claim has now gone viral, but the facts alleged by police are far more chilling than the excuse.

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Moser is charged with criminal homicide. His mother, Rachel Moser, is accused of helping him clean the vehicle, hide evidence and abandon Karoline’s Jeep with her body still inside.

Eric Daugherty shared the horrifying case Saturday:

According to ABC News, Karoline left her family’s home Wednesday night and was expected to return to PennWest California, where she was preparing to move into her dorm and join the California Vulcans women’s soccer team.

Her father became alarmed when she failed to check in. Location data showed that she had stopped at her boyfriend’s residence in North Strabane Township, and an AirTag in her Jeep later led the family to a parking lot near the California Public Library.

Police found blood inside and outside the vehicle. Karoline was in the rear hatch area with a fatal wound to her chest.

Investigators say surveillance video captured Royce Moser driving the Jeep while another vehicle followed behind. That second vehicle was allegedly driven by his mother.

The university quickly confirmed Karoline’s identity and place on the soccer team:

The local account reported by the Observer-Reporter lays out a deliberate sequence, not a momentary blackout.

Court documents say Karoline and Moser were talking in her Jeep when he became angry. He allegedly went inside his father’s home, retrieved a large kitchen knife, returned to the vehicle and stabbed her.

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Police say he then dragged Karoline to the rear of the Jeep, placed her in the cargo area and drove to his mother’s home in Beallsville. Investigators allege Rachel Moser gave her son latex gloves, helped clean blood from the vehicle and followed him as he drove the Jeep to California Borough.

After leaving the vehicle near the library, the two allegedly returned to her home. Court records say Rachel Moser told her son to bathe and shower.

Investigators say she washed his bloodstained clothes and put the knife into a garbage bag for trash collection. Police say they recovered a chef’s knife from the garbage.

Royce Moser allegedly told investigators that something Karoline said made him angry, although he claimed he could not remember what it was. He then said a demon took over and told him to stab her.

His mother gave police a similar account of what her son told her.

Whatever Moser now says about a demon, investigators allege a series of choices followed: getting the knife, returning to the Jeep, moving Karoline’s body, driving away, calling for help, cleaning the vehicle and abandoning it near campus.

The bizarre statement in the interrogation room cannot obscure the killing of a young woman whose life was beginning or the alleged attempt to erase what happened to her.

Karoline had recently graduated from Peters Township High School. She was a defender, a freshman recruit and a young woman who had already made a deep impression on teammates, coaches and friends.

CBS Pittsburgh reported that Karoline’s family called her death “a parent’s worst nightmare” and asked for justice for their “sweet” Karoline.

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Her former soccer club remembered her as a beautiful person inside and out. California Vulcans coach Pete Curtis described her as a “sweet, beautiful soul” whose impact on those around her would not be forgotten.

Tyler Hamstra, one of Karoline’s former coaches, said the world would be more caring and loyal if it had more people like her. He remembered her as positive, kind and fiercely devoted to the people in her life.

Victory Soccer Club said Karoline meant so much to so many people and that those fortunate enough to know her would never forget the difference she made. Her family asked for privacy as relatives, friends and teammates began trying to absorb the loss.

A memorial of flowers and stuffed animals appeared near the library where her Jeep was found. A candlelight vigil was scheduled for Sunday evening in Peters Township, and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference planned moments of silence in Karoline’s honor at athletic events through September 3.

Local coverage centered Karoline’s life and the people grieving her:

Royce Moser is charged with criminal homicide, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and obstruction. Rachel Moser faces charges including hindering apprehension, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and obstruction.

Both were jailed without bond while awaiting preliminary hearings, according to local court records.

The criminal process will determine their legal guilt. But there should be no confusion about who deserves the public’s attention now.

Karoline Heintz deserves to be remembered for far more than the grotesque way her life ended.

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She was a daughter, teammate, student and friend with a future in front of her. Her name, her life and the justice her family is demanding should remain at the center of this case.

This is a Guest Post from our friends over at WLTReport. View the original article here.

 

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