Pennsylvania Parents Mourn Daughter, Soccer Star, Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

The parents of Karoline Heintz, an 18-year-old PennWest California University soccer player, are grappling with what they described as a "parent's worst nightmare" after their daughter was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, Royce Moser. Heintz was found stabbed to death Wednesday night outside Moser's father's home in North Strabane Township, Pennsylvania.

According to authorities, the couple was discussing their future when the conversation escalated. Moser allegedly retrieved a large kitchen knife from his father's home and stabbed Heintz while she was in her Jeep Cherokee. He then reportedly placed her body in the vehicle's rear hatch.

Moser and his mother, Rachel Moser, 57, are accused of attempting to clean the car, their clothing, and their bodies to remove evidence. They then allegedly drove the Jeep back to California Borough and abandoned it outside the PennWest California campus at the public library.

Heintz's family contacted police requesting a wellness check after she failed to arrive at her dorm. Officers discovered Heintz in the back of her car around 12:30 a.m. Heintz, an incoming freshman, had committed to playing soccer for the university's women's soccer team.

Royce Moser has been charged with criminal homicide, two counts of tampering with evidence, two counts of abuse of a corpse, and obstruction. Rachel Moser faces charges including hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence, and obstruction for allegedly assisting her son in covering up the crime.

Police stated that Moser allegedly confided in his mother, claiming a demon had told him to harm Heintz. Heintz was remembered by her teammates as a "happy, bubbly teammate" and a "beautiful soul."

The GoFundMe page established by friends of the family aims to create a scholarship in Heintz's name and support organizations that combat domestic abuse. "We hope that through these efforts, Karoline’s legacy will provide opportunities for young people in the years ahead while also helping individuals and families affected by domestic violence," the page states.