Rachel Morin Case: Judge Rules On Moving Trial Out Of Harford County

BEL AIR, MD — A Harford County judge has denied a change of venue requested by Victor Martinez-Hernandez, the man charged in the murder of Bel Air mother of five Rachel Morin, 37. A plea offered by the prosecution also was rejected, meaning the trial will move forward.

The defense argued at Friday's motion hearing that the pretrial publicity "tainted the jury pool" in Harford County, making a fair trial impossible. The defense then asked presiding Judge Yolanda Curtin that if the trial wasn't moved, to ask jurors if they've read stories or comments about the case.

The prosecution responded that no one in the country hasn't heard about the case. The judge agreed with the statement.

When the prosecution's plea offer was read to the defendant on the record, he rejected it. Those details of the plea offer have not been shared publicly. The trial of Martinez-Hernandez on first-degree murder and first-degree rape charges will begin April 1.

Rachel Morin's body was found along the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air in August 2023, several days after she was reported missing. She frequently jogged the trail near where she was found assaulted and beaten to death.

Officials have said Martinez-Hernandez, 24, of El Salvador, entered the United States as an undocumented immigrant. Martinez-Hernandez also has been linked by DNA to a home invasion and sexual assault in southern California of a 9-year-old girl and her mother.

Randolph Rice, attorney for Morin's mother, Patty, said Friday's ruling was important to her.

“We are pleased with (the) rulings, which ensure this case moves forward with the critical evidence needed for the state to prosecute Rachel's alleged murderer. The Morin family remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice for Rachel, and (the) developments bring us one step closer to holding this defendant accountable for his horrific crimes," Rice said.

"I am happy, as I think everybody standing with me is happy, that the change of venue was denied," Matthew McMahon, the father of Rachel Morin's daughter, Faye, who is the oldest of five siblings, told WBAL after the hearing. "We want this to stay here. I live a couple miles down the street. I would rather drive a couple miles than a couple counties. I also trust the process here. I feel like I know this town. I've lived in Harford County my whole life, almost my whole life. I trust the sheriff's department. I trust the detention center. So, I'm thrilled that it's staying here, and I was worried that maybe it was going to get moved."

Another motion made by the prosecution was for the jury to view the crime scene. The judge deferred ruling on this motion, citing the need to evaluate whether such a visit would be prejudicial or even feasible. A third motion was found moot since both parties agreed to comply with Maryland evidentiary rules and procedures.

A fourth motion from the defense requested translations for Spanish-language evidence. The prosecution agreed. A fifth motion presented by the defense requested access to investigative genetic genealogy records that led to Martinez-Hernandez's capture. The court reserved ruling on the motion and will issue a written opinion at a later date after reviewing all arguments.

Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said at a news conference following the suspect's arrest in Oklahoma that Martinez-Hernandez also is a suspect in the homicide of a young woman in El Salvador in July 2023, one month before Morin's death.

Read more:

• Rachel Morin Murder Case Has Hearing Bumped, Trial Starts In April 2025
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• Rachel Morin Case: Harford County Prosecutor Seeks Life Sentence Without Parole
• Clue Uncovered On Rachel Morin's Birthday Led To Suspect, Arrest
• Murder Charge Filed In MD Mom Rachel Morin's Death
• Suspect In Rachel Morin Killing Hid In MD For Months During Investigation: Court Documents
• Rachel Morin Family Asks For Worldwide Prayers For Justice
• Rachel Morin's Family Mourns Loss Of 'Bright, Beautiful Spark'