Rachel Morin told her boyfriend that she was going for a run on a popular trail in the small town of Bel Air, Maryland. When she did not return, her boyfriend contacted police. The police said they had looked through the trail and could not find her, so it was initially thought of as perhaps a kidnapping. What was concerning to me is that they allowed the public to come to the trail and search, potentially contaminating the scene. We go to the trails and woodlands in the Bel Air area a lot, and after a few very frightening incidents, our list is growing smaller unfortunately and now we do not go walking/hiking without some sort of weapon.
There were reasons to be suspicious of the boyfriend. He has a past criminal history, it was a very recent relationship. There were a few other suspects too - a creepy man was seen stalking women where she worked. There is also a homeless camp at the end of this particular trail. None of these panned out.
Rachel was easily found by members of the public search party, within 24hrs of her going missing on the trail in a small tunnel, that is not very well-lit, but certainly open enough I have no idea why the police could not find her initially. While the police haven't mentioned the particulars of the case, it is said to be a brutal murder and rape. This is usually a busy trail, and no one questioned is said to have seen or heard anything.
A few days later a creepy man claiming to have found her, was interviewed by the news and gave many horrific but confusing details to the press. Some of these 'details' continue to be falsely written today. They did not verify his story, and ultimately the police said this man was not only a grifter but he was lying for 'fame'.
Rachel's family has tried very hard to enlist the public and media's help to find her killer. They have funds set up for her children. Have asked profilers to assist, and have had many charity events and held public pleas for help. The trail is now basically a memorial, and many from the town no longer feel safe walking.
Some time later the police held a conference to announce that through DNA evidence, Rachel's killer was involved in a crime LA last year. We know little about the case as it involved the rape of a minor. But there was video of the suspect from behind - he appears to be Hispanic with some distinguishing features. As the weeks have gone on, it is possible the FBI has found links to another case in Chicago - and it is for this reason the police believe the suspect to be a serial killer or serial rapist.
Rachel Morin left behind five children and a family that is desperate. Her killer is traveling and could be anywhere.
Here are links to the case with videos of the suspect from the LA incident.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/09/11/rachel-morin-case-updates-criminal-profiler/70825144007/
https://www.fox5dc.com/news/rachel-morin-murder-maryland-sheriff-says-suspect-on-the-loose-could-strike-again
https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/rachel-morin-memorial-walk-bel-air-PYYWZG7PPJFDJMJKMTNFRGPCJI/
https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/harford-county/detectives-pursue-leads-in-la-chicago-in-rachel-morin-murder-investigation-7Y7VTH4OEVE6XEARKOYSIK47XM/
https://www.gofundme.com/f/rachel-morin-funeral-and-memorial-fund