Victor Martinez-Hernandez, an illegal migrant, has been convicted of raping and murdering 37-year-old Rachel Morin, a mother of five, in a brutal attack that shocked the Baltimore community.
A Harford County jury reached its verdict in just under an hour on Monday, following the conclusion of a brief defense argument earlier that day. Prosecutors wrapped up their case last Friday, presenting what was described as overwhelming evidence against Martinez-Hernandez, 24.
Morin was killed in August 2023 while out for a walk on a local trail. The court heard that she was violently beaten, raped, and murdered. Martinez-Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree rape and murder.
Harford County State’s Attorney Alison Healey said she would pursue the maximum sentence—life in prison. “The quickness of the verdict speaks to the strength of the evidence in the case,” Healey stated. “This was an airtight case.”
According to Healey, Morin fought desperately for her life in her final moments. “She was brutally attacked, raped, and ultimately murdered at the hands of the defendant,” she said.
Martinez-Hernandez is now awaiting sentencing.
