Son, mother charged in 18-year-old PennWest student’s death
State police found the body of a PennWest California University freshman soccer player in a vehicle parked near campus Thursday, Aug. 20.
Karoline Jordyn Heintz, 18, of McMurray, was found around 2 a.m. in the back hatch of her Jeep Cherokee in a parking lot about three blocks from campus. Police said she had a wound in her chest. Blood spatter was found throughout her vehicle. Her body also showed evidence of being dragged.
State police charged Royce Joel Moser, 18, of the Canonsburg area, with felony homicide, two misdemeanor counts each of abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence and misdemeanor obstructing law enforcement in her death.
Moser’s mother, Rachel E. Moser, 56, of the Beallsville area, is accused of helping her son destroy evidence. She’s charged with felony hindering apprehension, two misdemeanor counts each of abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence and misdemeanor obstructing law enforcement.
The California Police Department received a call around 12:15 a.m. requesting a welfare check for Heintz, who had not returned to campus as planned. Her father used an Apple Airtag to track her Jeep to 100 Wood St. and notified police.
Her location history showed she also stopped at Royce Moser’s residence in North Strabane Township around 10:15 p.m., where police said she spoke with him in the driveway while sitting in her vehicle. Moser told police he got angry during the conversation and “had a demon take over him” that told him to stab Heintz, so he retrieved a kitchen knife and stabbed her.
According to police, Rachel E. Moser helped her son clean the car, dispose of the knife and clean himself up before driving Heintz’s vehicle to the location where police found it. Police later found surveillance footage showing Royce Moser driving Heintz’ vehicle in the area she was discovered.
Royce and Rachel Moser are being held in Westmoreland County Prison without bail. Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Aug. 31 before District Judge Eric Glenn Porter.
PennWest California University released a statement Friday regarding support available for students returning to campus as classes begin Monday. Wendy Mackall, executive director of executive communications and media relations, said counseling and grief support are available to students. University staff are reaching out to those most directly affected.
Heintz had announced her verbal commitment to continue her soccer career at PennWest California University on her Instagram page July 3, 2025. Her Peters Township High School 2025-26 soccer team went 12-3-2 in her senior season, according to MaxPreps.
The PennWest California University women’s soccer team posted on its Instagram page about Heintz’s death Friday afternoon.
“She is so much more than what happened to her, and we want to honor and focus on who she was as a person — she was a beautiful soul,” the post said. “The happy, bubbly teammate who was always smiling on and off the field.”
Peters Township High School is also providing counselors and social workers to high school students in the coming days.
