An 18-year-old soccer star was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend just days before she was due to begin her freshman year, with police saying the suspect's mother then helped him clean up and move her body.
Karoline Heintz, an incoming student and women's soccer player at PennWest California, was found dead in the back of her family's Jeep Cherokee shortly after midnight on Thursday, 20 August.
Her boyfriend, 18-year-old Royce Moser, has been charged with homicide in connection with her death. His mother, Rachel Moser, is also facing multiple charges over her alleged role in the aftermath.
Relationship Conversation Allegedly Turned Deadly
Heintz had attended a family gathering on Wednesday evening before meeting Moser at his father's home in North Strabane Township.
Pennsylvania State Police said the young couple were sitting in the Jeep discussing their relationship and how it might continue as they entered college when the conversation took a turn.
'Somewhere that conversation probably goes a little bit south,' Pennsylvania State Trooper Rocco Gagliardi told reporters.
Police allege Moser then went inside the house, retrieved a large kitchen knife and returned to the vehicle. He allegedly stabbed Heintz in the chest, causing her to fall out of the Jeep.
Investigators said Moser then picked her up, placed her body in the vehicle's rear hatch and drove to his mother's home. Gagliardi confirmed the sequence during a police briefing, saying investigators had gathered enough evidence to file charges.
Mother Accused of Helping Cover Up Killing
According to police, Moser told his mother what had happened and the pair allegedly attempted to clean his clothes and the Jeep and remove blood stains.
Investigators allege they then drove towards California Borough, with Rachel following her son in another vehicle. The Jeep containing Heintz's body was eventually left near the university.
Heintz's family became concerned when she failed to check in as expected and sought help finding her. Police located the Jeep near the California Borough Library and discovered blood inside before finding Heintz's body in the back.
Moser allegedly told his mother that a 'demon' had taken over and told him to stab Heintz, according to CBS News Pittsburgh. Authorities have not established a motive, and police said the investigation remains ongoing.
Boyfriend and Mother Face Charges
Police said Moser faces charges including homicide, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
Rachel Moser has been charged with hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy and obstruction.
As she was escorted to a police vehicle, Rachel denied involvement before telling reporters: 'I'm sorry. That my son took a life,' according to WTAE.
'Ready to Start Life'
Heintz had graduated from Peters Township High School in June and was preparing to begin her first year at PennWest California, where she had committed to play Division II soccer.
Her team's first game was scheduled for 29 August.
Gagliardi described Heintz as an 18-year-old 'young soccer star' who was 'ready to start college' and pursue her future.
'PennWest University is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Karoline Heintz, who was a first-year student at the California campus,' the university said. 'Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all those affected by this tragedy.'
