No Suspect, Motive Known In Rachel Morin Homicide: Harford Sheriff

HARFORD COUNTY - Detectives continue to search for the suspect[s] responsible for the death of 37-year-old Rachel Morin, whose body was found Sunday around 1 p.m. off the Ma and Pa Trail on Sunday by a volunteer aiding in the search.

According to police, Morin's boyfriend reported her missing Saturday night after she did not return from a walk along a stretch of Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air.

Morin, who was 5'2 and 107 pounds, left her home around 6 p.m. Her vehicle was found Sunday morning at the trail's Williams Street entrance, Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said in a news conference Sunday night. A GoFundMe page created by Morin's sister says she leaves behind five children.

"There are days I absolutely love being the sheriff of Harford County, but this is not one of those days. Rachel Morin, 37, headed out on Old Emmorton Road around 6 p.m. to go to the trail. When she hadn't returned when expected, her family was obviously concerned ... an initial search by deputies found the vehicle, which has been towed and will be processed for any and all evidence," Gahler said.

A social media post sent out by the sheriff's office regarding Morin's disappearance was shared more than 11,000 times, drawing many volunteers who combined the area around the trail. According to police, a body, later confirmed to be Morrin, was found near the trail around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The case has gained national attention - social media speculation swirled after a Facebook post from last week announced a relationship between Bel Air resident Richard Tobin and Morin.

Online court records show that Tobin, a Bel Air resident, has a lengthy criminal record, including drug and assault charges and one domestic violence restraining order.

Police stated Tobin was the individual who notified police that her car was parked at the Williams Street entrance to the trail.

As the investigation proceeds, Sheriff Gahler warned residents to stay vigilant while on the trail.

"Earbuds are great for exercise but prevent you from being aware of your surroundings. Don't set a predictable routine and be expected to be at a certain spot at a certain time. mix it up. Walk or run with a friend or family member. Buddy up. Carry a whistle or other alert device and be sure and let family know where you are. We also emphasize that if you see something that doesn't make you feel comfortable or is suspicious, call 911. Let us look at it," Gahler said.

In the meantime, there will be an increased police presence along all portions of the trail, Gahler added.

On Tuesday, residents, led by Harford County Council member Jessica Boyle-Tsottles, gathered for a community walk along the Ma & Trail to honor Morin's memory.

Editor's Note: Patch reporter Kristin Danley-Greiner originally wrote sections of this story for the Bel Air Patch. Patch reporter Van Fisher adapted it for the Havre de Grace Patch.

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