Crime & Safety
Rachel Morin Case: Harford County Prosecutor Seeks Life Sentence Without Parole
Harford County State's Attorney has filed notice seeking the maximum penalty of life in prison without parole for Morin's suspected killer.
![Rachel Morin, 37, whose body was found along the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air in August 2023, was a mother of five from Bel Air. She frequently jogged the trail near where she was found raped and beaten to death.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/23352305/20240712/121351/styles/patch_image/public/rachel-morin-new-photo2___12121319127.jpg)
BEL AIR, MD — Rachel Morin's suspected killer will face Maryland's maximum penalty of life in prison without parole if he's convicted of first-degree murder or first-degree rape, Harford County prosecutors said in an official notice filed with the court by Harford County State's Attorney Alison Healey.
Both crimes carry a maximum penalty of life in prison in Maryland. Under state law, prosecutors are required to inform a defendant if they plan to pursue the maximum sentence. If convicted without such a notice filed, the suspect, 23-year-old Victor Martinez-Hernandez of El Salvador, would be eligible for parole after just 25 years.
Morin, 37, whose body was found along the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air in August 2023, was a mother of five. She frequently jogged the trail near where she was found raped and beaten to death.
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Hernandez has been linked by DNA to a home invasion and sexual assault in southern California of a 9-year-old girl and her mother. Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said at a news conference following the suspect's arrest that Hernandez also is a suspect in the homicide of a young woman in El Salvador in July 2023, one month before Morin's death.
Detectives learned that Hernandez had been living in Maryland with relatives during most of the investigation into Morin's death. He was arrested in Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 14, on unrelated charges. He currently faces the following charges in the Morin case: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree rape, second-degree rape, first-degree assault and second-degree assault.
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Attorney Randolph Rice, representing Morin's mother Patty, commented on the latest development.
"The Morin family is relieved and pleased that the state is seeking life without parole for the defendant. This ensures that the suspect responsible for Rachel's tragic death will never have the opportunity to harm anyone ever again. We are grateful for the state's commitment to securing justice for Rachel and ensuring public safety," the attorney said.
The attorney also told media that members of the Morin family have been invited to attend the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Related:
- Rachel Morin Homicide Suspect Indicted By Grand Jury
- Rachel Morin Homicide Suspect Extradited, Bail Review Hearing Set
- Clue Uncovered On Rachel Morin's Birthday Led To Suspect, Arrest
- Murder Charge Filed In MD Mom Rachel Morin's Death
- Suspect In Rachel Morin Killing Hid In MD For Months During Investigation: Court Documents
- Signs Announcing Arrest In Rachel Morin Case Posted At Ma And Pa Trail: HCSO
- Rachel Morin: Former Partner Scours Woods For Clues, Hunts For Killer In Bel Air
- MD Mom's Homicide: Daughter Confident Harford Detectives Will Find Killer
- Rachel Morin's Family Releases Video Pleading For Help In Solving Her Homicide
- Hunt Continues For Rachel Morin Murder Suspect, Labeled Serial Killer
- Rachel Morin Case: 'We Haven't Given Up Hope' Sheriff Says Of Manhunt
- Rachel Morin Slaying: Suspect Search Turns To Los Angeles
- Rachel Morin Homicide Suspect Hunt Continues In 2024
- Rachel Morin Headstone Unveiled By Family As Hunt For Suspect Goes On
- Rachel Morin Family Asks For Worldwide Prayers For Justice
- Digital Ad Campaign Launched To Help Find Rachel Morin's Killer
- Profiler Helping With Rachel Morin Case, No Suspect Arrested Yet
- Rachel Morin's Family Mourns Loss Of 'Bright, Beautiful Spark'
- Rachel Morin Killer Might Strike Again, $10K Reward Offered: Sheriff
- Rachel Morin Reward Fund Rises As Homicide Suspect Remains At Large
- Suspect Sketch, New Details Released In Rachel Morin Homicide
- Women Attacked On Park Trails In Howard, Frederick Counties: Police
- 5 Potential Witnesses Contacted In Mom Rachel Morin's Death: Sheriff
- Photos, Videos Sought From Site Where Rachel Morin's Body Was Found
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