Maryland officials have announced a breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of Rachel Morin, a mother of five who was killed while hiking on the Ma and Pa Heritage Trail in Bel Air. DNA evidence collected from the crime scene has been linked to a home invasion and assault that took place in Los Angeles earlier this year. The discovery has left Morin’s family and local authorities concerned that the killer may strike again.
Morin, 37, went for a hike on August 5 and was found dead the next day in a wooded area near the trail. The suspect’s DNA found at the Maryland crime scene matches DNA evidence recovered from the unsolved Los Angeles assault and home invasion. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office released surveillance footage of the suspect leaving the Los Angeles home, describing him as a Hispanic man in his 20s, standing at 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds.
Despite a $30,000 reward, the investigation has hit a standstill, with no one coming forward to identify the killer. In an effort to generate leads, Morin’s family has launched a door-to-door mail campaign, distributing bilingual flyers to over 10,000 homes in the Los Angeles neighborhood where the assault occurred. The flyers feature screen grabs of the suspect from the surveillance footage.
The law firm representing the Morin family, Rice, Murtha, Psoras Trial Lawyers, is spearheading the campaign. They aim to reach 58,000 people through direct mailings, hoping that someone with a similar experience or knowledge of the suspect will come forward. Morin’s grieving mother expressed her hope that someone will have compassion and provide information leading to the identification of the killer.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has expressed gratitude for the family’s continued efforts and support. They have also revealed plans to expand their own initiative by distributing more flyers in the Los Angeles area. However, the family’s campaign is on a much larger scale and involves door-to-door mailings.
According to a criminal profiler consulted by the legal team, the suspect likely has strong ties to the Los Angeles neighborhood in question. Local police have also mentioned the presence of at least one other person in the home during the assault. The family and authorities are desperate for any viable leads that can help solve the case.
Rachel Morin was a beloved mother of five and a fitness enthusiast who owned her own cleaning company. Her family and friends remember her as someone who brought laughter and light into their lives. As the holidays approach, her absence weighs heavily on her children, who long for their mother’s return and a return to normalcy.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to Rachel Morin’s murder to come forward. They can call 410-836-5430 or email [email protected]. The investigation is ongoing, and the search for justice continues.
