Harford Co., MD – After an extensive 10-month investigation, authorities have made an arrest in the murder of Rachel Morin, who was killed last summer while hiking in Maryland.
Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler announced on Saturday that Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez was arrested in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with the assistance of local police and the FBI. The breakthrough in the case came through DNA evidence and tracking efforts.
The suspect was wanted for murder in a foreign country and managed to cross the border without incident after three unsuccessful attempts, according officials.
Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five, was found deceased on the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail on August 6, 2023. She was reported missing by her boyfriend the previous day after failing to return from a hike.
Sheriff Gahler praised the combined efforts of his team, the FBI, and the community in working tirelessly to resolve the case. He noted that the dedication of all involved played a crucial role in bringing about the arrest.
In a gesture of appreciation for the community’s support, Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies are posting signs at each Ma & Pa Trail head and at sheriff’s facilities, announcing the arrest and thanking the community for their crucial support during the investigation.
Victor Antonio Martinez Hernandez, a fugitive wanted for a series of violent crimes spanning from El Salvador to the United States, was apprehended last night in a Tulsa bar by local police and the FBI.
Hernandez, implicated in multiple crimes including murder in El Salvador, was located by the FBI and Tulsa Police Department’s Special Investigations Division at a bar on 21st and Garnett. He was arrested while appearing to be a casual patron.
His criminal activities in the U.S. began with a violent home invasion in Los Angeles, where he assaulted a nine-year-old girl and her mother. Hernandez then traveled to Harford County, Maryland, where he murdered Rachel Morin, a mother of five, as she walked along the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail.
Authorities believe Hernandez was hiding near the trail when he attacked Morin before fleeing the state. His arrest ended a significant manhunt and marks a pivotal success for law enforcement cooperation across multiple jurisdictions.
The suspect initially provided a false identity and denied any involvement in the crimes but was nonetheless booked into Tulsa County jail, awaiting extradition. This arrest brings a significant relief to communities affected by Hernandez’s spree of violence.
