Royce Moser remained silent as deputies escorted him into the Washington County Courthouse for his preliminary hearing. He’s charged with murdering his girlfriend, a recent Peters Township graduate and PennWest California soccer player, Karoline Heintz.
During the hearing, a detective testified that Royce made a number of Google searches just a few hours after they say he murdered Karoline.
Those searches include: What does God say about murder? What if a demon controlled you and you murdered someone? And — “Can an 18 year old get the death penalty?”
Karoline’s family was there to listen to the testimony.
“They’re heartbroken, obviously. And they’re grieving. That’s all I can say… I couldn’t imagine what they’re going through. Our hearts go out to them,” Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh told Channel 11.
The detective also testified Royce wanted Karoline to stop by his house on her way back to school for a “hug and a kiss.”
When she got to his house in North Strabane, another detective said Royce admitted that Karoline was not receptive and quote “said something he didn’t like.” That’s when the detective said he confessed to stabbing her. We learned at the hearing she had two stab wounds — one in her hip, and another in her heart.
“I don’t think it was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I believe this was premeditated; that’s why we charged him as such. I believe the evidence shows that and will show that,” Walsh said.
Royce’s mom, Rachel Moser, also stayed quiet on the way in to the hearing.
Police tell Channel 11 she tried to help her son cover up the murder.
In court, detectives testified that Rachel gave her son latex gloves and cleaning supplies— then washed his bloody clothes, and directed Royce to leave Karoline’s car at the PennWest California library — then drove him back to the scene hours later.
“You saw what the evidence was. They were wearing gloves. You can guys can draw those conclusions on your own. They certainly went back and hightailed it out of there. My guess is they saw all the police,” Walsh said.
Both cases will now go to trial.
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