Pennsylvania authorities have charged an 18-year-old man and his mother in connection with the death of his girlfriend, an incoming freshman at PennWest California who was found fatally stabbed in her vehicle early Thursday morning.
Karoline Heintz, 18, was discovered just after midnight in the rear hatch area of her Jeep Cherokee by police who were called to search for the vehicle when she failed to return to campus, according to a Pennsylvania State Police press release reviewed by NTD.
Officials said there was noticeable blood spatter inside and outside the vehicle, which was parked by the California Public Library near the university.
During their investigation, detectives learned that Heintz had met with her boyfriend, Royce Moser, outside his father's residence in North Strabane to talk about their relationship.
"Royce Moser reportedly became angry and entered the residence," the press release states. "Moser then retrieved a large kitchen knife and stabbed Heintz in the chest."
Authorities said Moser then put Heintz in the back of the Jeep after she fell from the vehicle and drove to his mother's home in Beallsville.
Officials allege his mother, Rachel Moser, 56, helped him clean the Jeep, gave him latex gloves, and helped him abandon the vehicle near the library before taking him back to her residence, where he showered and cleaned his clothes.
Royce Moser and Rachel Moser were subsequently taken into custody. Online records viewed by NTD show the teen and his mother were booked into the Washington County Jail just before 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Both have been charged with tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse, and obstruction of justice. Royce Moser has also been charged with homicide, while Rachel Moser faces a charge of hindering the apprehension of a fugitive.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, Walsh assured the public there was no broader threat to the community.
"This threat has been handled and quashed," he said. "It was an isolated incident related to this individual."
Heintz was a recent graduate of Peters Township High School in McMurray. She was set to begin her freshman season as a defender on PennWest California's women's soccer team after previously playing with the local Victory Soccer Club.
The soccer club took to Facebook on Friday to share an emotional tribute to Heintz following her death.