PennWest California Student Soccer Player Slain: Latest Info

WASHINGTON COUNTY, PA — Two vigils were held Sunday evening in memory of Karoline Heintz, the PennWest California University player who was fatally stabbed last week.

In one event, hundreds of people packed Trinity United Methodist Church in McMurray. In the other, people came to the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer in Elizabeth to honor Heintz and support her family.

Heintz, 18, of McMurray, a recent Peters Township High School graduate, was found in the hatch of her Jeep Cherokee early Thursday. Authorities believe her boyfriend killed her during an argument, then enlisted the aid of his mother to help dispose of the body.

Ryan Moser, 18, is charged with criminal homicide, tampering with evidence, obstruction and abuse of a corpse. Rachel Moser, 56, is charged with tampering with evidence, obstruction, hindering apprehension and abuse of a corpse.

Both face preliminary hearings on Aug. 31.

A memorial to Heintz featuring flowers and stuffed animals is growing close to the California Borough Public Library near where her body was discovered.

A GoFundMe page established in Heintz's memory had raised more than $47,000 as of Monday morning.

"With the blessing of her family, this fund has been established to help ensure that Karoline’s memory continues to make a difference in the lives of others," the page's creators, Mark Sperry and Amy Anderson, stated.

"Donations will be dedicated to establishing a scholarship in her honor and supporting organizations that work to prevent domestic abuse and assist those affected by it. 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."