Newly released police bodycam video captures the harrowing moment an officer discovered a Pennsylvania college freshman bleeding in the back of her car, a scene so disturbing that he screamed when he saw it.
Karoline Heintz, 18, was found fatally stabbed in the trunk of her gray Jeep on August 20 in California, Pennsylvania, roughly 36 miles outside Pittsburgh, according to a criminal complaint reviewed by the Daily Mail.
Heintz, an incoming student-athlete who was expected to play Division II soccer at PennWest University, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, 18-year-old Royce Moser.
Moser and his mother, 56-year-old Rachel Moser, have both been taken into custody and charged in connection with the suspected killing.
Investigators allege Rachel Moser helped her son dispose of Heintz’s body after he called her and admitted what he had done, according to the complaint. Neither defendant has entered a plea.
But now, chilling police bodycam video obtained by the Daily Mail has revealed the moment officers discovered Heintz in the back of her car that night.
A male officer with the California Borough Police Department searched an area near the California Public Library after Heintz’s parents reported her missing and stated that her Apple AirTag was pinging near the location, the cop said in the clip.
Once he spotted her car, he ran toward it and discovered Heintz’s body, screaming to his partner and into his radio at the top of his lungs: ‘Hey! I need EMS here right now! I got an unconscious female in the back of the car.’
Responding police officers were jolted when they discovered Karoline Heintz’s body in the back of her gray Jeep on August 20 in California, Pennsylvania, new body cam footage shows
Heintz was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend Royce Moser, 18, police said. His mother, Rachel Moser, has also been accused of helping him dispose of Heintz’s body
A male officer with the California Borough Police Department searched an area near the California Public Library after Heintz’s parents reported her missing and stated that her Apple AirTag was pinging near the location, he said in the clip
He and his partner then ran over to a police vehicle and put on latex gloves.
A dispatcher then asked him: ‘Is she breathing?’
‘Negative. I got blood everywhere,’ he frantically replied.
The responding officer then went back to the SUV and shattered the driver’s side window to gain access to the car.
After that, he punched in the trunk window before slightly opening the door and closing it quickly.
Another officer then peered into the car through the broken back window with a flashlight.
The footage showed firefighters and paramedics rushing to the scene. Her father also responded before being brought to the police station by officers.
Royce is accused of coercing Heintz to his home before getting angry during an argument, the criminal complaint read.
He said he then had a ‘demon take over’ and told Heintz: ‘Wait I have something for you,’ before going inside the home and grabbing a knife.
Royce then came back to the vehicle and stabbed her in the chest, causing her to fall out of the car, before he dragged her to the back of the vehicle and called his mom about the incident, the complaint read.
Royce (pictured) is accused of coercing Heintz to his home before getting angry during an argument, the criminal complaint read
During a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, prosecutors presented six witnesses and 32 pieces of evidence that they say prove that the mother (pictured) and son worked together to kill and get rid of the young woman’s body
The state released images of evidence police found during their investigation into the killing, including a black kitchen knife set that was located in a garbage bag
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The mother and son didn’t initially talk to police about the incident but soon confessed to their role in the killing, prosecutors alleged on Tuesday during a preliminary hearing.
It is unclear how long he and Heintz had been together.
During the hearing, prosecutors presented six witnesses and 32 pieces of evidence that they say prove that the mother and son worked together to kill and get rid of the young woman’s body.
Among the pieces of evidence, there were several images of black knives that appeared to belong to a kitchen set, photos previously obtained by the Daily Mail showed.
Other images captured the pair on home surveillance footage after the incident, and them driving in a blue sedan with what appeared to be blue latex gloves on their hands.
The evidence also documented internet searches and phone history records from Royce’s phone.
At one point, Royce searched: ‘What if a demon controled [sic] yoi [sic] and murder someone,’ the prosecution’s evidence read, among other Google searches.
Royce has been charged with one count of criminal homicide, two counts of tampering or fabricating physical evidence, two counts of abuse of a corpse, and obstructing the law and other government functions, court records stated.
His mother has been charged with tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse and obstruction. On Tuesday, another count of criminal use of a communications device was tacked on.
It is unclear how long the couple were together. Heintz was a freshman at PennWest University who was slated to play Division II soccer at the school
A judge has upheld all of the charges filed against them.
Heintz’s heartbroken family released a statement through Pennsylvania State Police.
‘This is a parent’s worst nightmare. It has been devastating for family, friends, and the whole community,’ the family said. ‘Karoline was loved by all. She was a kind, smart, beautiful girl. We want justice for our “sweet” Karoline.’
‘Please respect our privacy as we grieve. Any questions refer to the PA State Police.’
Heintz studied biology, and after obtaining that degree, she would have attended LECOM medical school in Erie, Pennsylvania, according to her obituary.
She dreamed of becoming a physician one day, it read.
In a statement, the school said it ‘is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Karoline Heintz, who was a first-year student at the California campus.’
Heintz studied biology, and after obtaining that degree, she would have attended LECOM medical school in Erie, Pennsylvania, according to her obituary. She dreamed of becoming a physician one day, it read
‘Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all those affected by this tragedy.’
Friends of her family have gone on to set up an online fundraiser that allows people to send money or a meal to Heintz’s grieving loved ones.
Another donation page, made on GoFundMe, has gone on to raise more than $70,000 for her family.
When approached for comment by the Daily Mail, Royce’s attorney, Jake Mihalov, said he has ‘no comment regarding the matter.’
The Daily Mail also contacted Rachel’s lawyer for comment.
Royce and Rachel are due back in court on October 13.