PETERS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Hundreds of people gathered Sunday at Trinity United Methodist Church in McMurray for a candlelight vigil honoring 18-year-old Karoline Heintz.
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Heintz, a soccer player who was preparing to begin her freshman year at PennWest California, was killed Wednesday night.
Channel 11 stayed outside the vigil and kept its distance to give Heintz’s family and friends space to grieve.
People leaving the church described the service as somber but fitting.
“Karoline had a lot of support from the community,” said Alexandra Brooks, who works for Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA. “It was really clear that there were a lot of people who knew her, but it was also very clear that there were a lot of people who were here to support the family and support her.”
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State police say Heintz’s boyfriend, Royce Moser, stabbed and killed her following an argument. Authorities allege he then recruited his mother, Rachel Moser, to help move Heintz’s body and clean up the crime scene.
Outside the church Sunday, people clung tightly to one another as the community continued mourning.
A bus also arrived carrying Heintz’s teammates, according to people at the vigil.
Friends said they wanted to stand in solidarity with the Heintz family during the difficult time.
In a statement released last week, Heintz’s family said:
“This is a parent’s worst nightmare. Karoline was loved by all. She was a kind, smart, beautiful girl. We want justice for our ‘sweet’ Karoline.”
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Brooks said she attended the vigil to support the family and anyone else who needed help.
“It’s really important that we surround our community with support,” Brooks said. “We wanted to be here in case anyone wanted to talk.”
Sunday’s gathering was one of two vigils held in Heintz’s memory.
A church in Elizabeth Township also hosted a vigil Sunday evening.
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