Pa. college soccer player fatally stabbed by boyfriend who enlisted mom to help hide body
The incoming PennWest soccer player was found dead in the back of her Jeep after her family requested a welfare check
Karoline Heintz, an 18-year-old Pennsylvania soccer player preparing to begin college, was fatally stabbed by her boyfriend, who investigators say later enlisted his mother to help conceal the killing.
Heintz was found inside the rear hatch of her Jeep Cherokee shortly after midnight Thursday near the California Public Library in California, Pennsylvania . Police launched a welfare check after her family became concerned when she failed to return as expected.
Heintz had recently graduated from Peters Township High School and was preparing to begin her freshman year at PennWest California. She was listed as a defender on the university’s women’s soccer roster, with the team scheduled to open its 2026 season on Aug. 29.
According to investigators, Heintz left her home at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and met her boyfriend, 18-year-old Royce Moser , outside his father’s residence in North Strabane Township. The pair reportedly began discussing their relationship and how they would handle it as Heintz started college.
Police allege the conversation became heated. Moser then went inside the home and retrieved a large kitchen knife before returning to Heintz’s vehicle.
Investigators say he told her he had something for her before allegedly stabbing her in the chest. He then allegedly placed her body in the Jeep’s rear hatch and drove to his mother’s residence in Beallsville.
Police say mother helped conceal the killing
Investigators allege Rachel Moser helped her son clean the Jeep and remove potential evidence. Police say she supplied latex gloves and followed Royce as he drove Heintz’s vehicle toward California Borough. The Jeep was eventually abandoned near the library, with Heintz still inside.
Authorities say Royce later told his mother that he believed a “demon” had taken over and instructed him to hurt Heintz. Police haven't said whether he has a documented mental health history or whether such an issue played any role in the alleged attack.
The investigation moved quickly after Heintz’s family reported concerns about her whereabouts. Her father reportedly tracked her location and noticed that she had stopped at Moser’s residence. Surveillance footage also allegedly captured the Jeep traveling toward the library while another vehicle followed behind.
Officers subsequently discovered Heintz’s body inside the blood-stained vehicle. Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Rocco Gagliardi said investigators were able to make significant progress within hours of the discovery.
Moser faces homicide, evidence-tampering, abuse-of-a-corpse, conspiracy and obstruction charges. His mother faces charges including hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy and obstruction.
The allegations haven't been proven in court.
PennWest expressed heartbreak over Heintz’s death, extending condolences to her family, friends and teammates.
