Pennsylvania teen and his mother charged in stabbing death of college student

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Pennsylvania Teen and Mother Charged in Stabbing Death of College Student

Published: August 21, 2026

A Pennsylvania college community is mourning the death of 18-year-old Karoline Heintz, a student and soccer player at PennWest California, after authorities say she was fatally stabbed by her boyfriend.

Royce Moser, 18, has been charged with criminal homicide in connection with Heintz's death. His mother, Rachel Moser, also faces multiple charges authorities say are related to an alleged effort to conceal evidence following the killing.

Heintz Found Dead in Her Vehicle

Police found Heintz dead inside the back of her Jeep Cherokee near the California Borough Library shortly after midnight Thursday.

According to investigators, Heintz had been with family earlier that evening before meeting Moser. Her family became concerned when she did not return as expected and used an AirTag to help locate her vehicle.

Investigators say the couple had been talking inside Heintz's vehicle when an argument reportedly became heated. Police allege Moser went inside a nearby home, retrieved a kitchen knife and returned to the vehicle, where he stabbed Heintz.

Mother Also Faces Charges

Authorities allege Moser then drove Heintz's vehicle to his mother's home in Beallsville.

According to the criminal complaint, Rachel Moser allegedly helped her son clean the vehicle and clothing and later assisted in moving the vehicle before it was abandoned near the library.

Rachel Moser faces charges including hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse and obstruction.

During her arrest, Rachel Moser reportedly expressed remorse, telling reporters, “My son took a life.” 

Remembering Karoline Heintz

Heintz was a recent graduate of Peters Township High School and had signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at PennWest California.

The university described her death as a tragedy and said its police department is cooperating with the Pennsylvania State Police investigation.

The case remains under investigation.

All allegations are accusations, and both Royce Moser and Rachel Moser are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.