Arrest Made in Rachel Morin Murder Case: Suspect Apprehended in Tulsa

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has announced a significant breakthrough in the Rachel Morin murder case, with the arrest of Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Martinez-Hernandez, a citizen of El Salvador, is facing charges of first-degree rape and murder in connection to Morin’s death, which shook the community last summer.

Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five, was reported missing by her boyfriend after she failed to return from a walk along the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail in Bel Air, Maryland. Tragically, her body was discovered the following day, sparking a homicide investigation that has now led to the apprehension of Martinez-Hernandez.

Authorities have revealed a disturbing pattern of crimes connected to Martinez-Hernandez, linking him to a murder in El Salvador in January 2023, and a violent attack on a young girl during a home invasion in Los Angeles two months later. The DNA found on Morin’s body was a crucial piece of evidence that tied Martinez-Hernandez to the crime.

Special Agent Bill DelBagno of the FBI Baltimore Field Office highlighted the use of genetic genealogy in identifying the suspect, leading investigators on a trail that spanned across states and countries. Despite Martinez-Hernandez’s attempts to evade capture, law enforcement agencies successfully tracked him down in Oklahoma, where he was taken into custody.

Family members of Rachel Morin expressed relief and gratitude upon hearing news of the arrest, acknowledging the diligent efforts of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office in bringing the suspect to justice. State’s Attorney Alison Healey has pledged to lead the prosecution in the case, with plans to extradite Martinez-Hernandez back to Maryland for trial.

Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler raised concerns about immigration policies, emphasizing Martinez-Hernandez’s status as an undocumented immigrant and citing it as a factor in the case. The arrest marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Rachel Morin and closure for her grieving loved ones.