A Maryland woman went missing on a hiking trail on Saturday. On Sunday, local authorities revealed that the 37-year-old missing woman was found dead on the trail, and her death is being categorized as a homicide.
The Hartford County Sheriff’s Office announced that Rachel Morin is suspected of disappearing while taking a hike on the Ma and Pa Trail Bel Air, Maryland. Morin’s boyfriend reported her missing to police at 11:23 p.m. on Saturday. She had reportedly left to go hiking around 6 p.m.
Investigators discovered Morin’s vehicle at the entrance to the trail.
Around 1:07 p.m. on Sunday, investigators were notified of a female corpse off the trail that Morin is suspected of hiking when she went missing.
Sheriff Jeff Gahler announced at a press conference that he believes the deceased woman is Rachel Morin.
“The investigation went from a missing person investigation to a homicide investigation,” Gahler said. “While we firmly believe this is the body of Rachel Morin, that final determination belongs with the medical examiner and that has not happened yet.”
Police said the “manner of death is still under investigation.”
He said, “Sadly, it’s a homicide case.”
Gahler said the department does not have a suspect yet, and admitted that there could be a threat to the community.
The sheriff added, “Detectives continue to work the case as aggressively as they possibly can, and we will leave no stone unturned.”
Gahler said there would be an increased police presence along the trail until a suspect is caught.
Rachel’s sister, Rebekah Morin, wrote on social media: “As you may have heard from various places, my sister, Rachel Morin was found this early this afternoon. Please do not ask me for details I can’t talk about it right now.”
A GoFundMe launched by Rebekah Morin to support her family said: “It is with devastating sadness and a broken heart that our family has been hit with yet another heartbreak. My sister, Rachel Morin went missing on Saturday August 5, 2023, around 6 p.m.. In less then 24 hours her body was found by local law enforcement.”
The crowdfunding listing stated: “It has only been a week since my niece Lily Beth passed away from SIDS.”
The Hartford County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about Morin’s death to contact Detective Golden at (410) 836-5430.
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