Overview
- State police say 18-year-old Karoline Heintz was stabbed during an argument Wednesday night and her body was found early the next morning in the rear hatch of her parked Jeep.
- Investigators arrested Royce Moser, 18, and charged him with criminal homicide and related counts; his mother, Rachel Moser, faces charges including hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse and obstruction.
- A criminal complaint alleges Rachel Moser provided latex gloves, helped clean the vehicle with disinfectant, bagged the knife, washed her son’s clothes and told him to bathe and change after the killing.
- Police say surveillance footage, device-location data and other forensic material form the basis of the investigation and both suspects remain in custody as prosecutors prepare evidence for preliminary court proceedings.
- The community has held multiple vigils to remember Heintz, PennWest California is cooperating with investigators, and victim-support groups are offering resources to the family and classmates left grieving.