Morin Killer Might Strike Again, $10K Reward Offered For Tips, Celebration Of Life Set

BEL AIR, MD — Authorities are worried Rachel Morin's killer could strike again if he isn't captured soon. While investigators try to identify the attacker, Morin's family has made plans to celebrate her life.

It's been more than two weeks since the body of 37-year-old Morin, a mother of five from Bel Air, was found not far from the popular Ma and Pa Trail that runs across Harford County. She was found naked and "violently assaulted" Aug. 5 after her boyfriend, Richard Tobin, reported her missing when she didn't return from her walk on the trail the night before.

"This individual poses a threat to every community from here to Los Angeles because we don’t know where he’s laying his head at night," Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler told Fox News Digital about the unnamed suspect. "This person has an absolute disregard for the sanctity of human life and until he’s arrested there is a threat he’ll do something harmful to someone else."

It's highly likely the suspect has committed other acts of violence, Gahler said. The suspected attacker is described as 20 to 30 years old, about 5'9" tall and weighs 160 pounds, with dark hair and a muscular build.

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 during a news conference Aug. 16.

"I just don’t believe you do two things that are so serious in nature and that’s your starting point. Most likely you’ve been involved in other crimes," Gahler told Fox News Digital.

Col. William Davis with the Harford County Sheriff's Office spoke at that news conference and shared a video Aug. 16 of the man they believe murdered Morin.

"We think it was a person Rachel didn't know and it was a potential random act of violence," Davis said. "In light of this new evidence, I urge our residents to use caution when walking the trails. If you see something that makes you uncomfortable or is suspicious, act on those instincts and call 911."

The case remains a "top priority" for the Harford County Sheriff's Office, which has called in the FBI to help further analyze the DNA sample that matched with the suspect in the Los Angeles assault in its national database.

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.

On Saturday, hundreds of people gathered together and walked part of the Ma & Pa trail starting at the Williams Street entrance where Morin's car was found. People left flowers and photos of her there, and her mom, Patty Morin, referred to the trail as "the trail of life."

Rachel Morin’s family has released a statement expressing their hope that the release of the video of her suspected killer will finally lead to an arrest.

“The family is encouraged that there is evidence that may lead to the prosecution of the person who took Rachel’s life,” Joe Murtha, an attorney representing Morin’s family, told The US Sun. “They believe that the ability to provide this information to a national audience can help reach someone who knows the person who committed the crime. As they grieve the loss of Rachel they have hope that law enforcement will catch the perpetrator and bring justice for Rachel.”

A celebration of life open to the public will be held for Morin on Sunday, Aug. 27, at 1 p.m. at the Greater Grace Church of Baltimore, according to CBS News Baltimore.

Authorities are asking that anyone with information related to Morin's disappearance or death to call 412-836-5430 or email RMTips@harfordsheriff.org.

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• 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
• Rachel Morin Death: Sheriff Refutes Searcher's Claim On Finding Body