Police determined that D’Amato stabbed Heintz multiple times, resulting in death, following an argument. After committing the crime, the perpetrator did not call emergency services but instead immediately contacted his mother to ask her to help cover up his actions
A Pennsylvania college soccer star was stabbed to death by her boyfriend — who claimed “demons” told him to harm her — as the suspected murderer had help from his mother in disposing of his partner’s body, according to police.
Karoline Heintz was found dead in the back hatch of her Jeep Cherokee at around 12:30 a.m. Thursday, just outside the Pennsylvania Western University campus in California, Pa.
Heintz, an incoming freshman on the university’s women’s soccer team, had met up with her boyfriend, Royce Mosher, after she attended a family party earlier in the evening, Pennsylvania State Trooper Rocco Gagliardi told reporters.
The couple got together at Mosher’s father’s home in North Strabane Township, where they began talking about their relationship inside her car before the discussion turned a “little bit south.”
“They’re a younger couple talking about how relationships can continue maybe in a college setting. Somewhere that conversation probably goes a little bit south,” Gagliardi said. “Towards the end of that conversation between boyfriend and girlfriend, he goes inside and grabs a large knife from the kitchen.”
“They’re a younger couple talking about how relationships can continue maybe in a college setting. Somewhere that conversation probably goes a little bit south,” Gagliardi said. “Towards the end of that conversation between boyfriend and girlfriend, he goes inside and grabs a large knife from the kitchen.”
Officials did not reveal a motive behind the stabbing and didn’t say if mental history played a factor in Mosher’s alleged attack.
“It is more of an unfortunate event, 18-year-old girl, young soccer star ready to explore life, ready to start college, now can no longer get to do that,” Gagliardi said.
Mosher was charged with criminal homicide, two counts of tampering with evidence, two counts of abuse of a corpse and obstruction.
He remained stone-faced as he was led out of a police station Thursday evening, handcuffed and wearing a white prison jumpsuit.
His 57-year-old mother was charged with tampering, obstruction, hindering the apprehension of a fugitive and abuse of a corpse.
She hid her face and kept her head down as she was hounded by reporters during her walk out to a police car.
The elder Mosher claimed she “did not” do it before apologizing to Heintz’s family, according to video from WTAE.
“I’m sorry,” Rachel Moser said as she climbed into the car. “That my son took a life.”
Heintz had graduated from Peters Township High School in June.
She was set to start her collegiate career at PennWest University, where she had committed to play Division II soccer, with the team’s first game set for Aug. 29.
“PennWest University is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Karoline Heintz, who was a first-year student at the California campus. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all those affected by this tragedy,” the school said in a statement.
