## Trial Continues in Case of Rachel Morin’s Alleged Killer
The prosecution concluded their case Friday in the trial of Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, an undocumented immigrant accused of raping and murdering 37-year-old Rachel Morin in Bel-Air, Maryland.
Morin, a mother of five, was jogging along the Ma & Pa Trail on August 2023 when she was allegedly ambushed, strangled, and brutally assaulted. Her death has deeply impacted her family and community.
“This has been an emotionally grueling experience for Rachel’s family, but they remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice,” stated Randolph Rice, the family’s attorney. “The State has presented a thorough and powerful case. We now await the Defense’s response and look ahead to closing arguments.”
Key evidence presented by prosecutors included video footage from an interview with Martinez-Hernandez conducted by Harford County Det. Phil Golden, utilizing a Spanish interpreter.
Denials and Contradictions in Suspect’s Interview
- Martinez-Hernandez initially denied knowing Morin and claimed he was not present in Bel Air at the time of her murder.
- When questioned about his whereabouts, he repeatedly asserted his innocence: “I haven’t done anything wrong.”
- Det. Golden presented a photograph of Martinez-Hernandez with his cousin, who previously testified that he had been staying with her and her husband in Virginia. Initially denying recognition, the suspect eventually admitted it was him.
Following his arrest, Martinez-Hernandez reportedly confessed to being in Bel-Air during the time of the murder after initially providing false information.
Digital Footprint and DNA Evidence
A search of Martinez-Hernandez’s phone revealed troubling internet searches including “Bel Air, [Md.]” and variations of Morin’s name. Investigators also discovered images of Morin and media coverage related to the investigation on his device.
Furthermore, Det. Golden testified that DNA matching Martinez-Hernandez was found at the crime scene. When confronted with this evidence, the suspect claimed someone could have taken his DNA and planted it there, stating: “If someone wanted to do him harm, they could have taken his DNA and put it somewhere.”
Brutal Nature of the Crime
An autopsy revealed Morin sustained 15 to 20 blows to the head and died from a combination of strangulation and blunt force trauma. Her death was officially ruled a homicide.
Opening statements detailed how concerned citizens, prompted by missing person posters on social media, discovered her body along the creek line. Evan Knapp, one of those searchers, testified about his harrowing discovery:
“I saw an unclothed human body on her back. At first, I truly thought it might have been a deer or something that had died in there… So, I had to move a bit closer to confirm what I had seen, and it was a human. I feel like time froze for a second and I didn’t know what I was looking at.”
The search led them through overgrown tunnels where Morin’s body was located.
Trial Continues
The defense is scheduled to begin calling witnesses on Monday, with closing arguments anticipated shortly thereafter. Rachel Morin’s family has been present throughout the trial and are expected to remain until its conclusion.
