Rachel Morin Case: Harford County Prosecutor Seeks Life Sentence Without Parole

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.

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.

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.

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