Sheriff Asks For Photos, Videos From Trail Area Where Rachel Morin's Body Found

BEL AIR, MD — The community has been asked to provide photos and videos anyone may have taken near the Ma and Pa Trail or trail heads Saturday around the time Bel Air mom of five Rachel Morin, 37, was reported missing.

"There could be something helpful in one of your photos that might bring us one more piece of the puzzle," the Harford County Sheriff's Office stated on its Facebook page. "As of this morning, we have already received nearly 90 tips from concerned community members in reference to the murder of Rachel Morin. Thank you for all the support you have given."

Anyone with a photo or video to share is asked to send it to Sgt. Maddox at [email protected].

Morin's body was found Sunday around 1 p.m. off the Ma and Pa Trail Sunday by a volunteer searching for her. Her death has been deemed a homicide by the sheriff's office.

Morin's boyfriend reported her missing Saturday night after she did not return from a walk along a stretch of Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air. The trail runs throughout Harford County.

Morin, who was 5'2 and 107 pounds, left her home around 6 p.m. Her vehicle was found Sunday morning at the trail's Williams Street entrance, Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said in a news conference Sunday night. He also noted the cause of her death remains unconfirmed until the Office of the Medical Examiner confirms it.

The sheriff noted that homicide can generate concern within a community and for the sheriff's office. A suspect has not been identified and Gahler asked residents to remain vigilant and contact authorities if they saw Morin before or during her time spent at the Ma and Pa Trail last weekend before her death.

Morin's boyfriend, Richard Tobin, 27, has publicly denied any involvement in her death. He has not been named a suspect by the sheriff's office.

“I love Rachel, I would never do anything to her, let the family and I grieve,” Tobin posted on Facebook. “Yes, I have a past, but I also have 15 months clean and have changed as a person. Please.”

Court records retrieved by the Independent show Tobin has two arrests for second-degree assault and separate arrests for violating restraining orders, malicious destruction of property and drug possession dating back to 2014. The Independent also reported Tobin has faced charges of being a fugitive from justice, resisting arrest and disorderly intoxication.

While a suspect is on the loose, there will be an increased police presence along all portions of the trail, Gahler said.

"If you think you have just the smallest tidbit of information or saw something related to Rachel's travels along or to the trail, we'd like to talk to you," Gahler said.

"Rachel Morin, 37, headed out on Old Emmorton Road around 6 p.m. to go to the trail. When she hadn't returned when expected, her family was obviously concerned ... an initial search by deputies found the vehicle, which has been towed and will be processed for any and all evidence," Gahler said.

"While it was all of our hope that Rachel would be found safe, at 1:07 p.m., a citizen called 911 to report a female's body located off the trail. It was obvious that this person was deceased. Our investigation went from a missing person to a homicide," Gahler said during the news conference.

"This trail is one of our major parks and rec assets. This is going to cause a lot of concern. The crime scene has been processed and the trail reopened. It's always been known to be a safe space. We've had minor incidents before but for now, we ask everyone to use good judgement on the trail. Be aware of your surroundings," Gahler said.

His own home backs up to the trail and Gahler said during the news conference that he'd see people wearing head sets or ear buds while exercising, something he cautions against doing.

"Ear buds are great for exercise but prevents you from being aware of your surroundings. Don't set a predictable routine and be expected to be at a certain spot at a certain time. mix it up. Walk or run with a friend or family member. Buddy up. Carry a whistle or other alert device and be sure and let family know where you are. We also emphasize that if you see something that doesn't make you feel comfortable or is suspicious, call 911. Let us look at it," Gahler said.

Morin's sister, Rebekah, has created a GoFundMe to help celebrate her life. As of Tuesday morning, the GoFundMe campaign had raised $36,752 toward its $65,000 goal. It was a blow to the family who recently experienced the loss of another loved one, she said.

"It is with devastating sadness and a broken heart that our family has been hit with yet another heartbreak. My sister, Rachel Morin, went missing on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, around 6 p.m. In less then 24 hours, her body was found by local law enforcement. It has only been a week since my niece Lily Beth passed away from SIDS, and I find that I have to make yet another GoFundMe to help my mother, Patty Morin, with funeral costs. There was no life insurance in place," Rebekah Morin posted.

"This was not an accidental death, and she did not go willingly, and she deserves a funeral worthy of her beauty. If there are any remaining funds they will go towards things her five children may need," Rebekah Morin stated.