Annapolis: Rachel Morin, a Maryland mother of five, was raped and killed while jogging in August 2023. Prosecutors say she was attacked by Victor Martinez-Hernandez, an undocumented migrant from El Salvador.
He faces charges of first-degree murder and rape, and could get life in prison if convicted.
Morin left her home for a jog and never returned, sparking a major search the next day.
Volunteers found her body off the Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air, Maryland.
Brutal Discovery
The killer dragged her body 150 feet from the trail, leaving a bloody path, prosecutors said.
Her mother, Patricia Morin, cried in court as opening statements described her daughter’s violent death.
The incident was described as “a mother’s worst nightmare” by State’s Attorney Alison Healey.
DNA evidence linked Martinez-Hernandez to the crime after a nationwide search and family DNA match.
He was arrested 10 months later in Tulsa, Oklahoma using genetic genealogy tools.
Digital Clues
Police say he had searched for “Bel,” “Air,” “Rachel,” and a misspelled version of Morin’s name.
His phone showed cached YouTube videos and news coverage about the investigation.
Police received over 1,000 tips before identifying him using social media and family contacts.
Martinez-Hernandez’s belongings contained DNA matching the samples from the crime scene.
His family had provided a photo, Facebook account, and phone number to investigators.
Defense Responds
The defense denied his guilt and argued Rachel had “attracted male attention” from others.
His lawyer said this wasn’t a random act, but a crime motivated by personal grievance.
The defense suggested the killer intended to humiliate Rachel specifically.
They claimed Martinez-Hernandez was wrongly accused and urged jurors to consider all possibilities.
Opening statements also questioned the motive and labeled the case as unresolved.
Painful Testimony
Evan Knapp, a volunteer, found Rachel’s body and said the moment left him in shock.
Rachel’s daughter, Violet Custer, told the jury her mom stopped replying to texts that evening.
She and Rachel’s boyfriend Richard Tobin searched for her at 3 a.m.
Tobin described calling her phone and only hearing it beep before discovering her car near the trail.
He testified that he handed over his DNA and phone to authorities willingly.
About Suspect
Martinez-Hernandez illegally entered the U.S. in February 2023 after allegedly killing a woman in El Salvador.
He reportedly attacked a 9-year-old and her mother during a home invasion in Los Angeles in March 2023.
Authorities say he has gang ties and connections in Maryland, Virginia, and the D.C. area.
Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said Martinez came to escape justice, not for a better life.
He called Rachel’s death “preventable” and blamed the immigration system for the tragedy.
Victim Remembered
Rachel Morin was a fitness lover who ran marathons and enjoyed fashion and travel.
She raised five children aged eight to eighteen and owned a cleaning business.
Family members now care for her kids with support from their fathers and relatives.
Her mother recalled the family’s longtime use of the Ma and Pa Trail for recreation.
She always warned Rachel not to jog there alone despite its perceived safety.
Public Grieving
Rachel’s brother, Michael Morin, gave an emotional speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
He called her killing “preventable” and blamed weak border policies.
He described her as a joyful athlete and loving mother who deserved better protection.
The community held a memorial and honored her legacy with support and remembrance.
Her tragic story has stirred national debate on immigration and public safety.
