Rachel Morin murder: Illegal immigrant suspect denied ever being in Maryland at time of crime

The prosecution in the case against Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, the illegal immigrant accused of raping and murdering Bel-Air woman Rachel Morin in August 2023, rested their case on Friday. The trial, which has been emotionally grueling for Morin’s family, has seen a powerful and thorough presentation of evidence by the State. Now, the family eagerly awaits the Defense’s response and the closing arguments to bring the trial to its final stage.

During Friday’s proceedings, Harford County Det. Phil Golden testified as prosecutors played a video of his interview with the suspect after Morin’s murder, with the help of a Spanish interpreter. In the video, Martinez-Hernandez denied knowing Morin and claimed he was not in Bel Air at the time of her murder. However, when pressed further, he eventually admitted to being in the area.

Golden also showed Martinez-Hernandez a photo of himself posing with his cousin, who testified that Martinez-Hernandez had stayed with them in Virginia. The suspect initially denied knowing about the photo but later admitted it was him. Moreover, Martinez-Hernandez’s phone was found to contain internet queries related to Bel Air and Rachel, along with images of Morin and media coverage of the investigation.

Autopsy results revealed that Morin had suffered 15 to 20 blows to the head and died from a combination of strangulation and blunt force trauma, leading to her death being ruled a homicide. The community had come together to search for Morin after seeing missing person posters on Facebook, ultimately leading to the discovery of her body along the Ma & Pa Trail.

The Defense is expected to call witnesses on Monday, with closing arguments likely to be delivered on the same day. Morin’s family, who have been present throughout the trial, will continue to support the pursuit of justice for their beloved Rachel.

The tragic case of Rachel Morin’s murder has gripped the community of Bel-Air, and the legal proceedings have shed light on the devastating impact of such a heinous crime. As the trial nears its conclusion, the hope for closure and justice for Rachel Morin remains at the forefront of everyone’s minds.