GUILTY MD - Rachel Morin, 37, left for walk on Ma & Pa Trail 6pm, car found at Williams St entrance, Bel Air, 5 Aug 2023 #3 *Arrest*

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“He enters a plea of not guilty,” Jenkins said. “And he elects to have a trial by jury.”

Prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected on Friday to deliver their opening statements.

 
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APR 2, 2025
A clear takeaway from two days of jury selection in the case revealed the Harford County community knows about Morin's killing and has strong feelings about the allegations and charges in the case.

As of Wednesday morning, 97% of the jury pool told the judge they are aware of the Morin case and 12% in the group of prospective jurors said they know each other.

About 67% said they have "strong feelings" about the allegations and charges in case, and almost 40% said they have "strong feelings" about viewing graphic photos of the crime scene, the victim and her injuries.

Opening statements will begin on Friday, April 4, The trial is expected to continue through April 16.
 
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For so long I thought this case would be cold.

I have everything crossed for Rachel’s family that they finally see justice in this trial - my thoughts are with them as it will not be easy sitting through all the evidence.
 
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Here for Rachel Morin's five children who should never have had to endure the loss of their mom. moo
 
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For so long I thought this case would be cold.
Same, especially when it was announced he was involved in a crime clear across the country. It seemed like he could be anywhere and would never be caught.
 
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@Dylan_Segelbaum


Prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected today to deliver opening statements in the trial of Victor Martinez-Hernandez.Martinez-Hernandez, 24, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Rachel Morin, 37, on Aug. 5, 2023, on the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail in Bel Air.

1743781354910.webp

 
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In her opening statement, Harford County State’s Attorney Alison Healey described what happened to Rachel Morin as “a mother’s worst nightmare.”Morin, she said, went out for a walk on the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail and never saw her children again.


"That place that she loved some much ended up being the place she lost her life at the hands of this defendant,” Healey said.



The Harford County Sheriff’s Office received more than 1,000 tips, Healey said.Law enforcement eventually ended up at an apartment in Temple Hills, Maryland.Martinez-Hernandez’s family members, she said, provided investigators with a photo, Facebook profile and phone number.


DNA taken from Martinez-Hernandez’s socks was consistent with a profile found on Morin’s body, Healey said.Law enforcement requested a phone ping on June 14, 2024, and Tulsa Police arrested Martinez-Hernandez at a sports bar.He provided a fake name: Juan Carlos, Healey said.


When investigators analyzed his cellphone, Martinez-Hernandez had searched for “Bel,” “Air,” “Rachel” and a misspelling of Morin, Healey said.There were cached images and YouTube videos about Morin and the investigation, Healey said.But he denied he had been in Maryland.


“I will ask you to find the defendant guilty on all counts, and I am certain that you will," Healey said.


“Rachel Morin was brutally murdered. This was a horrible tragedy," said Assistant Public Defender Sawyer Hicks, one of Martinez-Hernandez's attorneys, in his opening statement. "But Mr. Martinez-Hernandez is not the man that committed this offense.”


Hicks said there are many unanswered questions and unfilled gaps, including motive.“This was not a crime committed by a complete stranger,” Hicks said. “This is someone who had a grievance. Someone who wanted to humiliate Rachel Morin to the greatest extent possible.”


 
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Martinez-Hernandez’s family members, she said, provided investigators with a photo, Facebook profile and phone number.
I didn't know his family played a role in his capture. Good on them for the assist.
 
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I didn't know his family played a role in his capture. Good on them for the assist.
I didnt know this bit of info, either.
 
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Posted 3 hours ago

@jess_babb


We’re here at the Harford County Circuit Courthouse fr the trial of Victor Martinez-Hernandez, the man accused of killing Rachel Morin. We’re expecting to hear opening statements and testimony today.



The Defense atty poses several questions: What is the motive (says this was a crime of passion), asks where the connection between Victor and Morin, and where is Richard Tobin’s DNA (Morin’s BF) who they say admitted to having sex with her the day she died.



We will hear testimony when this recess ends.


11:22 AM · Apr 4, 2025
 
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I didn't know his family played a role in his capture. Good on them for the assist.

I didnt know this bit of info, either.
IIRC, Genealogy DNA led investigators to his family. The family then gave them clothing from him which positively matched DNA found at the crime scene.
 
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How advanced DNA technology led police to suspect in Rachel Morin murder​


 
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IIRC, Genealogy DNA led investigators to his family. The family then gave them clothing from him which positively matched DNA found at the crime scene.
I recall a hat had been linked to his DNA, but dont recall the details, stopped following the case at one point.
 
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A genetic profile generated using the DNA samples indicated to authorities that the samples were all from the same individual, authorities said.

Police then conducted further DNA tests that came up with results of a possible relative of the unknown person. After an “investigation into the family lineage,” police were able to identify Martinez-Hernandez as the suspect, the document alleges.

Investigators spoke with his relatives who said the suspect began staying with them last December and left in May, per the document.

The relatives also provided authorities with his clothes and shoes, which the suspect reportedly left behind in the residence, police said. DNA recovered from those items allegedly matched the samples recovered from the crime scene, per the document.


6/24/2024
 
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