'Serial killers all start somewhere': Rachel Morin murder investigator delivers stark warning
HARFORD COUNTY, MARYLAND: As the investigation into the brutal murder of Rachel Morin continues, the investigators deliver a stark warning, stating that the suspect, who is tied to a rape of a girl in Los Angeles, could be a ‘serial killer’.
The 37-year-old mother-of-five was last seen at around 6 pm on Saturday, August 5, when she left her house to take a hike on the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, Maryland.
When she didn't return home, her boyfriend, Richard Tobin, filed a missing person report, noting that her car was parked near the entrance of the trail.
The next day, her bare and brutally battered body was tragically discovered off the trail in a wooded area.
Who is Rachel Morin’s murderer?
At the crime scene of Morin's killing, investigators reportedly discovered a DNA sample that matches with a suspect wanted for a March home invasion and assault of a young girl in Los Angeles.
Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler detailed the DNA breakthrough on Monday, August 28, noting that there may be a disturbing pattern developing.
"Serial killers all start somewhere. What he did in Los Angeles was certainly, I believe, in that direction. I believe it was his intention to inflict more serious physical harm,” Gahler stated, according to Daily Mail.
Anyone who can identify this unknown male, or has additional information, is asked to contact the Harford County Sheriff’s Office at our tip line (410) 836-7788 or via email at RMtips@HarfordSheriff.org. pic.twitter.com/U1niUnCmwB
— Harford Sheriff (@Harford_Sheriff) August 18, 2023
Gahler stated that he traveled to Los Angeles last week with several of his officers from Harford County to conduct an investigation, but it is still too early to determine exactly what they are up against.
"We don't know who he is yet. He could still be laying his head here in our county, or he could have fled anywhere in the country or even the world,” the Sheriff added.
Last week, authorities released footage of the unidentified suspect, who has been “described as being approximately 5ft 9 inches 160lbs, approximately 20-30 years of age, dark hair, muscular build and is believed to be of Hispanic decent.”
Did Rachel Morin know her murderer?
Speaking at a news conference last week, Colonel William Davis noted that Morin allegedly didn’t know her murderer. He said, "We believe this was a person that Rachel didn't know, potentially a random act of violence."
"We know nothing more about him other than he was in LA in March and we believe him to be the murderer," he asserted.
Davis said they are not looking for any accomplices, and told local people to be on their guard.
"We believe the suspect acted alone and, he does not represent the entire Hispanic community of Harford County, who we are now partnering with to identify this suspect," the Colonel said, adding, "I know I can speak for the sheriff when I say we are very proud of this community."
Gahler stated that ten deputies are investigating the case and that they have received more than 100 leads. However, he asked people to continue to provide tips, even if the information seemed inconsequential.
Last Thursday, August 24, officials announced that a $10,000 reward is being offered to anyone who can provide information that leads to a conviction.
