Man, His Mother Charged After Pittsburgh-Area College Student Found Dead In Vehicle

CALIFORNIA, PA — Two people have been arrested in connection with the death of a PennWest California student whose body was found in a vehicle early Thursday.

Royce Moser, 18, has been charged with homicide; his mother, Rachel Moser, has been charged with hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence and obstruction.

The body of Karoline Heintz, 18, of McMurray, was discovered near the California Public Library along Wood Street around 12:30 a.m., according to the Washington County Coroner's Office.

According to the coroner's office, Heintz was with family earlier in the day on Wednesday and was to return to campus housing. Family members tracked the location of her vehicle and contacted 911 after she failed to check in at an agreed-upon time.

Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh said during a brief news conference Thursday afternoon that Heintz's death was "the result of a domestic situation." He did not elaborate, not did he detail any of the circumstances surrounding the death.

Walsh said the incident remains under investigation, but there is no threat to the community.

Heintz was a recent graduate of Peters Township High School and was on the PennWest California Vulcans women's soccer team roster.

The university issued the following statement on Thursday:

"PennWest University is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Karoline Heintz, who was a first-year student at the California campus. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all those affected by this tragedy.

"Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the incident, which occurred off campus, and PennWest University police are cooperating fully with the investigation.”