Karoline Heintz, 18, was found in her vehicle near campus after her family reported that she had failed to check in.
CALIFORNIA, PA — An 18-year-old man has been charged with homicide and his mother faces charges including hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence after PennWest California student Karoline Heintz was found dead in her vehicle early Thursday, authorities said.
Royce Jones Moser, 18, was charged in Heintz’s death, while his mother, Rachel Moser, was charged in connection with what investigators allege happened afterward. Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh said Royce Moser and Heintz were in a relationship and described the case as stemming from a domestic situation. Pennsylvania State Police said the investigation does not indicate a continuing threat to the wider community.
Heintz, 18, of McMurray, was a first-year student at Pennsylvania Western University’s California campus and a member of the Vulcans women’s soccer team. The Washington County Coroner’s Office said she was found shortly after midnight Thursday in a parked Jeep Cherokee near the California Public Library on Wood Street. She had been with family Wednesday and was expected to return to campus housing.
When Heintz did not check in as expected, family members tracked the location of her vehicle and called 911, according to authorities. Investigators said the vehicle was located in a parking area near the library, a short distance from the university. Police found Heintz inside the vehicle and began an investigation that led them to two Washington County homes connected to the case.
According to a criminal complaint described by local news organizations, investigators traced Heintz’s vehicle to a residence in North Strabane Township where she had met Royce Moser Wednesday night. Police allege the two were discussing the future of their relationship before the encounter turned violent. Moser is accused of retrieving a knife from inside the residence and fatally attacking Heintz. Those allegations have not been proven in court.
Investigators allege Moser then placed Heintz in the rear of her vehicle and drove to his mother’s home in Beallsville. State police said Rachel Moser later followed her son as he drove Heintz’s vehicle to California Borough. Authorities allege the two attempted to clean the vehicle and other items before leaving the Jeep near the library. Police also said evidence was recovered while search warrants were being served.
Royce and Rachel Moser were taken into custody and interviewed by state police. Royce Moser faces a homicide charge. Rachel Moser faces charges that authorities have described as including hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence and obstruction. Charging documents contain investigators’ allegations and do not constitute findings of guilt.
PennWest University said Heintz was a first-year student at its California campus and confirmed the incident occurred off campus. The university said it was deeply saddened by her death and extended condolences to her family, friends and others affected. PennWest University police are cooperating with the Pennsylvania State Police investigation, the university said.
Heintz had recently graduated from Peters Township High School and was listed on PennWest California’s 2026 women’s soccer roster. The Peters Township School District said the death of a member of its Class of 2026 had deeply affected the school community and that additional counselors and social workers would be available to students.
State police and the Washington County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate Heintz’s death. As of early Friday, authorities had announced charges against Royce and Rachel Moser, but no final court determination had been made in either case.
Author note: Last updated August 21, 2026.