Karoline Heintz homicide: What we know about mom, son charged in death of PennWest California student
CALIFORNIA, Pa. —
A mother and her teenage son are being charged in connection to the death of an 18-year-old PennWest California student and soccer player.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, 18-year-old Royce Moser has been charged with homicide while his mother, Rachel Moser, is charged with hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse and obstruction. Both were arrested Thursday night.
Karolina Heintz had allegedly been with her family on Wednesday before returning to campus housing.
When Heintz did not check in with her family, they tracked her location to her vehicle on Wood Street in California and called 911.
When authorities arrived, they found Heintz dead inside her vehicle near the California Borough Library around 12:24 a.m. on Thursday.
Sources tell Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that Heintz had reportedly been stabbed.
Watch the full press conference from State Police, the DA below
Mother, son arrested
Royce Moser is being charged with homicide while Rachel Moser is facing charges that include hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence, obstruction and related offenses.
The mother and son are both in custody.
Royce Moser did not comment as he was being taken away by state troopers on Thursday night.
Rachel Moser said, “I’m sorry,” as she covered her face with her hands while troopers put her into a police vehicle.
Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 reporter Jordan Cioppa said, “Tell us why you’re sorry.” Rachel Moser said, “That my son took a life.”
This story is developing and will be updated with new information when the criminal complaints are released.
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