An 18-year-old PennWest California soccer player was fatally stabbed Aug. 19, and Pennsylvania State Police say her boyfriend is accused of killing her before seeking help from his mother to conceal what happened.
Karoline Jordyn Heintz, 18, of McMurray, was found shortly after midnight Aug. 20 inside the rear hatch of her Jeep Cherokee near the California Public Library in California Borough, Washington County. Police were called after Heintz failed to return to campus housing and stopped responding to her family.
Her family had been tracking the vehicle with an Apple AirTag, according to court documents and police accounts. That information helped officers locate the Jeep on Wood Street.
Royce Jones Moser, 18, has been charged with criminal homicide in Heintz’s death. His mother, Rachel E. Moser, 56, faces charges including hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse and obstruction.
What investigators say happened
According to the criminal complaint, Heintz met Moser outside his father’s home in North Strabane Township on the night of Aug. 19. The two were talking in Heintz’s Jeep about their relationship and their future.
Investigators say the conversation became heated. Moser allegedly told police that he became angry over something Heintz said but could not remember exactly what it was.
He allegedly went inside the residence, returned with a large kitchen knife and stabbed Heintz in the chest.
Moser later told investigators that a “demon” had taken over his body and instructed him to stab Heintz, according to the complaint. Authorities have not described that statement as an explanation for the killing, and Moser remains accused rather than convicted.
After Heintz fell from the vehicle, investigators say Moser placed her in the Jeep’s rear hatch and drove to his mother’s home in Beallsville.
Police allege that Rachel Moser then helped her son clean the vehicle and his clothing. Investigators said she provided latex gloves and helped dispose of the knife. The two later drove separately toward California Borough, where Heintz’s Jeep was left with her body still inside.
Surveillance footage allegedly showed Moser driving Heintz’s vehicle while Rachel Moser followed in another vehicle.
Investigators later located both suspects at Rachel Moser’s home.
Family’s search led police to Heintz
The discovery came after Heintz’s family became concerned when she did not check in as expected.
The Washington County Coroner’s Office said Heintz had spent time with family earlier that Wednesday and was expected to return to her campus housing. When the family could no longer reach her, they used the location information from her vehicle and contacted police.
Officers responding to the California Borough location found Heintz dead inside the Jeep.
State police said the investigation indicates the killing occurred in North Strabane Township before her body was transported to California Borough.
Heintz was preparing for her first college soccer season
Heintz had recently graduated from Peters Township High School and was preparing to begin her first season with the PennWest California women’s soccer team.
She was listed on the 2026 California Vulcans women’s soccer roster and had been practicing with the team ahead of the fall semester. PennWest said the killing occurred off campus and that university police were cooperating with the state police investigation.
The university has made counseling and grief support available to students and staff affected by her death.
Her death has also drawn a large response from the local soccer and school communities. Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil in Peters Township on Aug. 23, while another vigil was held in Elizabeth Township.
PennWest California Athletic Director Karen Hjerpe said the athletics department was “devastated” by the loss and described Heintz as a bright and kind young woman.
The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference has also announced a moment of silence for Heintz at conference athletic events from Aug. 27 through Sept. 3.
Both suspects remain in custody
Royce Moser and Rachel Moser are being held without bail, according to local court reporting. Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for Aug. 31 before District Judge Eric Glenn Porter.
The criminal case remains active, and the allegations against both defendants have not been proven in court.
For Heintz’s family, friends and teammates, the investigation has unfolded alongside efforts to remember the young woman who was preparing to begin college and continue playing soccer.
Her family has asked for privacy while grieving and said they want justice for Karoline.
