BEL AIR, Md. — The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has announced a significant development in the case of Rachel Morin’s murder, revealing the arrest of a suspect linked to the tragic incident. Victor Martinez Hernandez, a 23-year-old from El Salvador, has been apprehended in connection to Morin’s killing in August 2023 along the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air. This arrest comes after an extensive investigation led by Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler and his team, bringing a sense of closure to Morin’s family and the community.

Rachel Morin’s mother, Patricia Morin, expressed gratitude for the diligent work of the investigators, highlighting their patience in pursuing leads that ultimately led to the arrest of Hernandez. The case involved Morin being abducted from the trail and found deceased in a culvert, sparking a nationwide search for the perpetrator.

Hernandez, who has been living in the U.S. illegally since February 2023, has a history of violent offenses, including a previous murder in El Salvador and an attack on a mother and her child in Los Angeles. The breakthrough in the case came after investigators received DNA evidence linking Hernandez to the crime scene, allowing them to track him to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was arrested with the assistance of local law enforcement.

Sheriff Gahler emphasized the importance of collaboration among multiple agencies in solving the case, underscoring the complexity of tracing a suspect with international ties. The arrest of Hernandez serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by individuals living in the U.S. illegally and their involvement in violent crimes.

Prosecution of the case will be led by the Harford County State’s Attorney Alison Healy, with extradition proceedings already underway. The relentless efforts of law enforcement and forensic teams ultimately led to the identification and apprehension of the suspect, providing a semblance of justice for Rachel Morin and her family.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the closure brought by Hernandez’s arrest offers a glimmer of hope for a sense of resolution. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and the perseverance of investigators serve as a testament to the dedication and commitment to seeking justice for the victims of heinous crimes.