Rachel Morin Case: 'We Haven't Given Up Hope' Sheriff Says Of Search For Killer

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Investigators have not given up hope of finding the man believed to have killed Bel Air mom Rachel Morin, Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler said at a press conference where he answered questions many people have posed regarding the murder.

A mother of five, 37-year-old Morin was found naked and "violently assaulted" Aug. 5 near the Ma and Pa Trail in Harford County. Her boyfriend, Richard Tobin, reported her missing when she didn't return from her walk on the trail the night before. DNA evidence pulled from the Morin crime scene matched DNA found at the scene of a March 2023 home invasion and sexual assault of a girl in Los Angeles, the Harford County Sheriff's Office said on Aug. 16.

"We haven't given up hope that we'll find the killer, and neither should you. Look at the video. Share the video. Someone out there knows who this suspect is. We need this photo in front of that person. Keep sending in your tips," Gahler said.

"Every piece of information that comes in is seen and followed up on by investigators. We've logged more than 500 tips from community members and from as far away as England, Australia and Canada," the sheriff said. "Our community cares about Rachel and bringing her killer to justice. Her story has captured the hearts of the world, and we will continue to go down every path until we bring a piece of mind to the Harford community."

Gahler would not confirm any details about her death, nor information related to the crime scene. He said investigators have collected DNA and watched hours of video footage from around the trail, including video from homes and businesses in the area. They've reviewed texts and cell phone data, and detectives have traveled across the country interviewing others.

"We are working with state and federal partners, and using all technology available. We've worked with local Hispanic nonprofits, businesses and local media to help identify the suspect in this case. We've canvassed areas related to Rachel and her death to look for additional witnesses and information. We've reviewed the results of her autopsy," Gahler said.

People have clamored for a better photo of the suspect, who was captured on a doorbell camera video leaving the home of the L.A. assault.

"No, we do not have a better picture at this time, and that includes that we do not have a video of the suspect entering the home," Gahler said.

Many people have questioned the arm shown closing the door behind the suspect as he backpedals out of the L.A. house.

"I hear this question numerous times a day, and I can tell you we have identified the person connected to the infamous arm that appears in the surveillance footage from Los Angeles, and after speaking with that individual, we are confident that they played no role in the commission of any crime," he said.

Gahler has publicly stated that he believes the suspect could be a serial killer. He echoed that believe in Thursday's news conference.

"My concern is that this killer is escalating. My investigators and I both firmly believe that if we do not apprehend this individual, he will again, if he has not done so already. And, if given the chance, he certainly could become a serial killer," Gahler said.

Gahler also said the threat could stretch beyond national borders.

"Until he is in custody, this suspect poses a threat to every community in our country and maybe outside," he said.

Harford County residents have wondered if police patrols of the Ma and Pa Trail will subside, but Gahler said not yet.

As temperatures cool down and the Ma and Pa Trail sees less use, the sheriff's office will adjust patrols accordingly.

"But until we get the promised cameras covering the trail and the trailheads from the county, we will continue to monitor the Ma and Pa Trail," he said.

The sheriff also emphasized that this is not a cold case. He encouraged people to continue sharing the video of the suspect and continue sending legitimate tips to [email protected]. Metro Crime Stoppers has offered a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The Harford County Sheriff's Office has added $8,000, bumping the reward up to $10,000.

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• 5 Potential Witnesses Contacted In Mom Rachel Morin's Death: Sheriff
• Photos, Videos Sought From Site Where Rachel Morin's Body Was Found
• No Suspect, Motive Known In Rachel Morin Homicide: Harford Sheriff
• Memorial Walk For Slain Mom Rachel Morin Sends Message To Suspect
• Rachel Morin's Boyfriend Interviewed, Sheriff's Office Has 100+ Tips
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