Deputies Patrolling Trail, Searching For Suspect After Mom Of 5 Found Dead: Sheriff

BEL AIR, MD — Detectives continue to search for the suspect responsible for the death of 37-year-old Rachel Morin whose body was found Sunday around 1 p.m. off the Ma and Pa Trail Sunday by a volunteer helping searching for her.

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 that her death remains unconfirmed until the Office of the Medical Examiner confirms it.

"There are days I absolutely love being the sheriff of Harford County, but this is not one of those days. 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 deputied found the vehicle, which has been towed and will be processed for any and all evidence," Gahler said.

A notice sent to the public for help in finding her drew a number of volunteers who combined the area around the trail. Residents also shared a social media post put out by the sheriff's office about Morin, which was shared more than 11,000 times, Gahler said. He thanked citizens for regularly sharing information, which helps solve crimes. But he advised not to disclose false or early information that could jeopardize a case or reach the involved family in an untimely manner.

"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.

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

"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 he 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.

In the meantime, 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. Many people who didn't know Rachel stopped their day and helped search. One of those volunteers found her body. Thank you. Thank you to our partners at the Bel Air Police Department and our allied agencies in assisting with the search," Gahler said.

Morin's sister Rebekah has created a GoFundMe to help celebrate her life. It was a blow to the family who recently experienced the loss of another loved one, she stated.

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

Completely unrelated to Morin's death was another missing woman case. Karen Elliott, 58, was last seen at her home in Bel Air Saturday around 2:20 p.m. She was last seen heading into the wooded area behind Cypress Drive. Gahler said during the news conference that he did not believe that Elliott's disappearance was related to Morrin's death.

The sheriff's office reported Monday late afternoon that Elliott was found alive and unharmed around 4 p.m.