WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. — A mother and son charged in a young university student-athlete’s murder have pleaded “not guilty.”
Royce Moser and his mother, Rachel, entered their pleas at arraignments on Tuesday morning.
Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh has asked for a jury trial in the case.
Police say Royce Moser stabbed and killed his girlfriend, Karoline Heintz, in August.
Rachel is accused of helping him cover it up.
Police said Royce Moser claimed he had a “demon take over,” telling him to stab Heintz.
Heintz’s body was found near the California Public Library in Washington County.
She was preparing to attend PennWest California University, with dreams of becoming a doctor. She was a member of the women’s soccer team.
Heintz’s former teammates are holding a fundraiser in her memory throughout the school year.
Click here to read about how their efforts are honoring her.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
©2026 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/XCUXZC2XYZHCRGNNGKFEX6U3LQ.png)
