A Pennsylvania man accused of killing and dismembering his roommate last year was found dead in his jail cell  before he was to stand trial.

Lehigh County officials said Joshua Moser, 34, committed suicide on Saturday, WCAU reported.

Authorities found the dismembered parts of 37-year-old David Hittinger’s body in three different locations and arrested Moser in May 2024, as CrimeOnline reported. The remains were found in trash bags on a trail, in a cemetery, and in a quarry.

When they searched Moser’s home, where Hittinger also lived, they found blood and hair, plus evidence of efforts to conceal the blood.

Moser was charged with murder, abuse of a corpse, and other related charges. He reportedly admitted to detectives that he strangled Hittinger and hit him with a hammer before the dismemberment.

Officials said staff found Moser unconscious in his cell and attempted life saving measures but were unsuccessful. A pre-trial hearing had been scheduled for February 5, WNEP said.

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[Featured image: Joshua Moser/Monroe County Jail]