Pennsylvania Teen Accused of Murdering Girlfriend After Google Search Sequence Exposed in Court
A chilling sequence of Google searches was revealed in court as investigators reconstructed the events leading up to the brutal murder of an 18-year-old college freshman.
Royce Moser, 18, allegedly stabbed his girlfriend Karoline Heintz to death outside his father's home in North Strabane Township, Pennsylvania, on August 19. The next morning, investigators found a disturbing pattern of internet searches on Moser's phone, including queries about removing fingerprints and the death penalty.
The search history showed that Moser repeatedly searched for ways to erase fingerprints from objects, with some searches occurring as many as seven times. He also inquired about Ring camera storage and the possibility of demonic possession.
Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh said the evidence presented in court was 'compelling' and demonstrated that Moser's actions were premeditated, not a 'spur of the moment decision.' The district attorney noted that location data from phones helped investigators track Moser's movements, including his return to the parking lot near the California Public Library after leaving Heintz's body.
Royce Moser and his mother Rachel are facing multiple charges in connection with Heintz's murder. They are being held at the Washington County Prison without bail and will appear in court again in October.