Rachel Morin – update: Boyfriend of missing mother-of-five speaks out as homicide probe launched

A body has been found along a hiking trail in Maryland during a search for a missing mother-of-five.

Rachel Morin was last seen heading to the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air at around 6pm on Saturday evening, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

The 37-year-old failed to return home that night and her boyfriend reported her missing.

On Sunday morning, Morin’s vehicle was found in the parking lot at the entrance to the popular walking route.

Hours later, at around 1pm that afternoon, a member of the public discovered a woman’s body close to the trail.

Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler announced at a Sunday night press conference that a homicide investigation is now under way.

While investigators believe the body belongs to Morin, they are awaiting official confirmation from the medical examiner’s office on the identity as well as cause and manner of death.

The sheriff said that police currently have no suspects on their radar and, as a result, are unable to tell the public that there is no ongoing danger.

In a Facebook post, Morin’s boyfriend Richard Tobin said he would “never do anything to her”.

Key points

  • Rachel Morin last seen alive heading to Ma and Pa trail

  • Body of woman found close to trail

  • Morin’s sister launches GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses

  • Mom-of-five’s boyfriend breaks silence over death

  • Police have no suspects on radar

Hikers warned to stay vigilant

10:03 , Bevan Hurley

On Sunday, Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler has said that there may still be a danger to the public, and urged anyone hiking the Ma and Pa Trail to be vigilant.

“Thankfully we don’t have too much violent crime in Harford County, but when we have one, I prefer when I can stand here and tell you that the suspect has been arrested or that it’s a targeted crime.

“I can’t tell you that is the case,” he said.

He urged anyone hiking trails in the area to carry a whistle toan alert device, pay attention to their surroundings, and notify family and friends of their plans.

Sheriff Gahler also pleaded with the public to call 911 immediately if they spotted anything suspicious, and come forward with any information that might be relevant to the homicide inquiry.

The Ma and Pa Trail where Rachel Morin was last seen alive (Harford County Sheriff’s Office/Google)
The Ma and Pa Trail where Rachel Morin was last seen alive (Harford County Sheriff’s Office/Google)

Who is Rachel Morin?

09:03 , Bevan Hurley

On social media, Rachel Morin posted touching photos with her children, and with family and friends.

“Rachel was so unabashedly herself: witty and genuine, brilliant, daring, and headstrong. Her spirit would light up the room and her smile was contagious,” her best friend Claudia Brown wrote in a Facebook post after her death.

“Her faith was so strong,”

Ms Brown wrote that Ms Morin had been divorced, and was a “fierce protector of her children and loved them with all of her heart”.

Ms Morin had worked as a model and appeared on the cover of Owl Magazine, Harford Community College’s student publication, where her brother John Morin worked as a technical director.

In 2018, she shared photographs from a trip to New Zealand to visit John, who was working as a photographer in the town of Whakatane.

In a post in February, Ms Morin shared a foreboding quote to her Facebook page: “Risk can be dangerous, but routine can be deadly. Comfort has killed more dreams than daring ever did.”

Ms Morin also started her own cleaning business, East Coast Cleaners, in 2019, according to Open Corporates.

Rachel Morin, 37, was a ‘fierce protector of her children and loved them with all of her heart’, a close friend wrote in a social media tribute (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)
Rachel Morin, 37, was a ‘fierce protector of her children and loved them with all of her heart’, a close friend wrote in a social media tribute (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)

What is The Ma and Pa Trail?

08:03 , Bevan Hurley

Rachel Morin was reported missing on Saturday night, and after law enforcement appealed for information to find the mother of five, a body was found on The Ma and Pa Trail on Sunday afternoon.

The 6.25 mile (10km) trail gets it name from the former Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad corridor that ran through the town of Bel Air in Harford County.

The track was dismantled in the 1950s, and later turned into a heritage trail along the railroad’s former route.

It consists of a 3.3mile section through Bel Air and a 1.7mile segment in neighbouring Forest Hill.

According to Alltrails.com, the trail is moderately challenging and takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete.

In the wake of Ms Morin’s death, authorities have warned hikers to take particular care and be aware of their surroundings.

The Ma and Pa Trial, viewed from the Williams St trailhead, where Rachel Morin’s car was located on Sunday morning (Google Maps)
The Ma and Pa Trial, viewed from the Williams St trailhead, where Rachel Morin’s car was located on Sunday morning (Google Maps)

Woman found safe in separate Harford County missing persons inquiry

07:03 , Bevan Hurley

A woman reported missing from Hardford County has been found safe, according to law enforcement.

Karen Elliott was located “alive and unharmed” at 4pm on Monday, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office said. “No foul play is suspected in her disappearance.”

Officials had earlier ruled out a link with the Rachel Morin homicide inquiry.

The mother-of-five from Bel Air was reported missing on Saturday, and a body was found on the Ma and Pa Trail on Sunday afternoon.

Rachel Morin was found dead on a popular Maryland hiking trail. Her sister says she ‘did not go willingly’

06:03 , Bevan Hurley

“This was not an (accidental) death, and she did not go willingly and she deserves a funeral worthy of her beauty,” Rachel Morin’s sister Rebekah wrote on a GoFundme page to raise money for her burial and provide for her five young children.

Full story below.

Rachel Morin’s homicide probed as sister says she ‘did not go willingly’

Rachel Morin’s boyfriend’s criminal history revealed

05:03 , Bevan Hurley

On Sunday night, Rachel Morin’s boyfriend Richard Tobin took to social media to state his innocence while also making reference to his lengthy criminal rap sheet.

“I love Rachel, I would never do anything to her, let the family and I grieve,” Mr Tobin wrote.

“Yes I have a past but I also have 15 months clean and have changed as a person. Please.”

Court records show Mr Tobin has two arrests for second-degree assault, and separate arrests for violating restraining orders, malicious destruction of property and drug possession dating back to 2014

Mr Tobin has also faced charges of being a fugitive from justice, resisting arrest and disorderly intoxication, according to Maryland judiciary case search records.

Mr Tobin has not been named as a suspect, or accused of any wrongdoing in connection with the homicide inquiry.

Mr Tobin only confirmed his relationship with Ms Morin in a Facebook post on 1 August, five days before she was reported missing.

Richard Tobin has denied involvement in his girlfriend Rachel Morin’s death as homicide probe launched after woman’s body found (Facebook / Rachel Morin)
Richard Tobin has denied involvement in his girlfriend Rachel Morin’s death as homicide probe launched after woman’s body found (Facebook / Rachel Morin)

Rachel Morin’s boyfriend says he ‘would never do anything to her’ as homicide probe launched

04:03 , Bevan Hurley

The boyfriend of a Maryland mother-of-five has denied involvement in her death, after police launched a homicide probe into the death of a woman whose body was found on a popular hiking trail.

Rachel Morin, 37, disappeared after reportedly heading out for a hike on the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, Hartford County, at around 6pm on Saturday.

Her new boyfriend Richard Tobin, 27, reported her missing at around 11pm that night after she failed to return, Hartford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler told a press conference on Sunday.

Full story below.

Rachel Morin’s boyfriend denies involvement as homicide probe launched

Hikers warned to stay vigilant

03:03 , Bevan Hurley

On Sunday, Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler has said that there may still be a danger to the public, and urged anyone hiking the Ma and Pa Trail to be vigilant.

“Thankfully we don’t have too much violent crime in Harford County, but when we have one, I prefer when I can stand here and tell you that the suspect has been arrested or that it’s a targeted crime.

“I can’t tell you that is the case,” he said.

He urged anyone hiking trails in the area to carry a whistle toan alert device, pay attention to their surroundings, and notify family and friends of their plans.

Sheriff Gahler also pleaded with the public to call 911 immediately if they spotted anything suspicious, and come forward with any information that might be relevant to the homicide inquiry.

The Ma and Pa Trial, viewed from the Williams St trailhead, where Rachel Morin’s car was located on Sunday morning (Google Maps)
The Ma and Pa Trial, viewed from the Williams St trailhead, where Rachel Morin’s car was located on Sunday morning (Google Maps)

Identity of body found on Ma and Pa Trail still not confirmed

02:03 , Bevan Hurley

The Harford County Medical Examiner’s Office is still working to identify a body found on the Ma and Pa Trail on Sunday afternoon, a spokesperson told The Independent on Monday afternoon.

Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said authorities strongly believe a body found by a member of the public on the trail on Sunday afternoon is Rachel Morin.

Ms Morin’s family have also confirmed her death in social media posts.

Authorities have not revealed if they have a suspect in the homicide investigation.

Rachel Morin was last seen alive heading off on the Ma and Pa Trail (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)
Rachel Morin was last seen alive heading off on the Ma and Pa Trail (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)

Who is Rachel Morin?

01:03 , Bevan Hurley

On social media, Rachel Morin posted touching photos with her children, selfies at the gym and spending time with and friends.

“Rachel was so unabashedly herself: witty and genuine, brilliant, daring, and headstrong. Her spirit would light up the room and her smile was contagious,” her best friend Claudia Brown wrote in a Facebook post after her death.

“Her faith was so strong,”

Ms Brown wrote that Ms Morin had been divorced, and was a “fierce protector of her children and loved them with all of her heart”.

Ms Morin had worked as a model and appeared on the cover of Owl Magazine, Harford Community College’s student publication, where her brother John Morin worked as a technical director.

In 2018, she shared photographs from a trip to New Zealand to visit John, who was working as a photographer in the town of Whakatane.

In a post in February, Ms Morin shared a foreboding quote to her Facebook page: “Risk can be dangerous, but routine can be deadly. Comfort has killed more dreams than daring ever did.”

Ms Morin also started her own cleaning business, East Coast Cleaners, in 2019, according to Open Corporates.

Rachel Morin was last seen alive heading off on the Ma and Pa Trail (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)
Rachel Morin was last seen alive heading off on the Ma and Pa Trail (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)

What is The Ma and Pa Trail?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 00:03 , Bevan Hurley

Rachel Morin was reported missing on Saturday night, and after law enforcement appealed for information to find the mother of five, a body was found on The Ma and Pa Trail on Sunday afternoon.

The 6.25 mile (10km) trail gets it name from the former Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad corridor that ran through the town of Bel Air in Harford County.

The track was dismantled in the 1950s, and later turned into a heritage trail along the railroad’s former route.

It consists of a 3.3mile section through Bel Air and a 1.7mile segment in neighbouring Forest Hill.

According to Alltrails.com, the trail is moderately challenging and takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete.

In the wake of Ms Morin’s death, authorities have warned hikers to take particular care and be aware of their surroundings.

The Ma and Pa Trial, viewed from the Williams St trailhead, where Rachel Morin’s car was located on Sunday morning (Google Maps)
The Ma and Pa Trial, viewed from the Williams St trailhead, where Rachel Morin’s car was located on Sunday morning (Google Maps)

Rachel Morin was found dead on a popular Maryland hiking trail. Her sister says she ‘did not go willingly’

Monday 7 August 2023 23:00 , Bevan Hurley

“This was not an (accidental) death, and she did not go willingly and she deserves a funeral worthy of her beauty,” Rachel Morin’s sister Rebekah wrote on a GoFundme page to raise money for her burial and provide for her five young children.

Full story below.

Rachel Morin’s homicide probed as sister says she ‘did not go willingly’

Woman found safe in separate Harford County missing persons inquiry

Monday 7 August 2023 22:15 , Bevan Hurley

A woman reported missing from Hardford County has been found safe, according to law enforcement.

Karen Elliott was located “alive and unharmed” at 4pm on Monday, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office said. “No foul play is suspected in her disappearance.”

Officials had earlier ruled out a link with the Rachel Morin homicide inquiry.

The mother-of-five from Bel Air was reported missing on Saturday, and a body was found on the Ma and Pa Trail on Sunday afternoon.

Identity of body found on Ma and Pa Trail still not confirmed

Monday 7 August 2023 21:45 , Bevan Hurley

The Harford County Medical Examiner’s Office is still working to identify a body found on the Ma and Pa Trail on Sunday afternoon, a spokesperson told The Independent on Monday afternoon.

Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said authorities strongly believe a body found by a member of the public on the trail on Sunday afternoon is Rachel Morin.

Ms Morin’s family have also confirmed her death in social media posts.

Authorities have not revealed if they have a suspect in the homicide investigation.

Authorities ‘strongly believe’ a body found on a Maryland hiking trail on Sunday is 37-year-old mother Rachel Morin (GoFundme)
Authorities ‘strongly believe’ a body found on a Maryland hiking trail on Sunday is 37-year-old mother Rachel Morin (GoFundme)

Rachel Morin’s boyfriend says he ‘would never do anything to her’ as homicide probe launched

Monday 7 August 2023 21:15 , Bevan Hurley

The boyfriend of a Maryland mother-of-five has denied involvement in her death, after police launched a homicide probe into the death of a woman whose body was found on a popular hiking trail.

Rachel Morin, 37, disappeared after reportedly heading out for a hike on the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, Harford County, at around 6pm on Saturday.

Her new boyfriend Richard Tobin, 27, reported her missing at around 11pm that night after she failed to return, Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler told a press conference on Sunday.

Full story below.

Rachel Morin’s boyfriend denies involvement as homicide probe launched

Who is Rachel Morin?

Monday 7 August 2023 20:48 , Bevan Hurley

On social media, Rachel Morin posted touching photos with her children, selfies at the gym and spending time with and friends.

“Rachel was so unabashedly herself: witty and genuine, brilliant, daring, and headstrong. Her spirit would light up the room and her smile was contagious,” her best friend Claudia Brown wrote in a Facebook post after her death.

“Her faith was so strong,”

Ms Brown wrote that Ms Morin had been divorced, and was a “fierce protector of her children and loved them with all of her heart”.

Ms Morin had worked as a model and appeared on the cover of Owl Magazine, Harford Community College’s student publication, where her brother John Morin worked as a technical director.

In 2018, she shared photographs from a trip to New Zealand to visit John, who was working as a photographer in the town of Whakatane.

In a post in February, Ms Morin shared a foreboding quote to her Facebook page: “Risk can be dangerous, but routine can be deadly. Comfort has killed more dreams than daring ever did.”

Ms Morin also started her own cleaning business, East Coast Cleaners, in 2019, according to Open Corporates.

Authorities shared photographs of Rachel Morin after she was reported missing on Saturday (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities shared photographs of Rachel Morin after she was reported missing on Saturday (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)

Harford County police rule out connection to other missing woman

Monday 7 August 2023 20:45 , Bevan Hurley

Officials in Harford County have ruled out any connection between the disappearance and suspected homicide of Rachel Morin and a second woman who went missing in the area the same day.

Karen Elliott, 58, was last seen at her home in Bel Air at around 2.20pm on Saturday afternoon.

Harford County Sheriff’s Office said she was wearing a green shirt and blue jeans and was seen heading into the wooded area behind Cypress Drive.

A search for the missing woman has so far not yielded any information as to her whereabouts.

In Sunday night’s press conference, the sheriff insisted that there is no connection between her disappearance and Morin’s case.

Karen Elliott, 58, was last seen at her home in Bel Air (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)
Karen Elliott, 58, was last seen at her home in Bel Air (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)

Missing hiker found dead in Arizona

Monday 7 August 2023 20:20 , Bevan Hurley

In an unrelated incident, a hiker who went missing on a trail near Phoenix was found dead after suffering from an apparent heat-related illness.

Jessica Lindstrom, 34, a mother of four who worked as a registered nurse in Oregon, was visiting family in the area last week when she vanished, friends told news outlets.

Ms Lindstrom went on a hike at the Deem Hills Recreation Area around 8.30am on Friday, Phoenix Police Department said.

Full story below:

Mother-of-four found dead on hiking trail near Phoenix

Rachel Morin was found dead on a popular Maryland hiking trail. Her sister says she ‘did not go willingly’

Monday 7 August 2023 19:55 , Bevan Hurley

“This was not an (accidental) death, and she did not go willingly and she deserves a funeral worthy of her beauty,” Rachel Morin’s sister Rebekah wrote on a GoFundme page to raise money for her burial and provide for her five young children.

Full story below.

Rachel Morin’s homicide probed as sister says she ‘did not go willingly’

Hikers warned to stay vigilant

Monday 7 August 2023 19:30 , Bevan Hurley

On Sunday, Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler has said that there may still be a danger to the public, and urged anyone hiking the Ma and Pa Trail to be vigilant.

“Thankfully we don’t have too much violent crime in Harford County, but when we have one, I prefer when I can stand here and tell you that the suspect has been arrested or that it’s a targeted crime.

“I can’t tell you that is the case,” he said.

He urged anyone hiking trails in the area to carry a whistle toan alert device, pay attention to their surroundings, and notify family and friends of their plans.

Sheriff Gahler also pleaded with the public to call 911 immediately if they spotted anything suspicious, and come forward with any information that might be relevant to the homicide inquiry.

Rachel Morin’s boyfriend says he ‘would never do anything to her’ as homicide probe launched

Monday 7 August 2023 19:03 , Bevan Hurley

The boyfriend of a Maryland mother-of-five has denied involvement in her death, after police launched a homicide probe into the death of a woman whose body was found on a popular hiking trail.

Rachel Morin, 37, disappeared after reportedly heading out for a hike on the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, Hartford County, at around 6pm on Saturday.

Her new boyfriend Richard Tobin, 27, reported her missing at around 11pm that night after she failed to return, Hartford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler told a press conference on Sunday.

Full story below.

Rachel Morin’s boyfriend denies involvement as homicide probe launched

Rachel Morin’s sister says death is ‘not accidental’ and she ‘did not go willingly’

Monday 7 August 2023 18:40 , Bevan Hurley

Rachel Morin’s family has described her death is “not accidental” and said the mother-of-five “did not go willingly”.

In a heartbreaking post on a GoFundMe campaign page, Morin’s sister Rebekah wrote: “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 6pm.

“In less then 24 hours her body was found by local law enforcement. It has only been a week since my niece Lily Beth passed away from SIDS, and I find that I have to make yet another gofundme to help my mother, Patty Morin with funeral costs. There was no life insurance in place.”

She added: “This was not an (accidental) death, and she did not go willingly and she deserves a funeral worthy of her her beauty. If there are any remaining funds they will go towards things her 5 children may need. Please share, donate, comment and keep this going.”

Authorities ‘strongly believe’ a body found on a Maryland hiking trail on Sunday is 37-year-old mother Rachel Morin (GoFundme)
Authorities ‘strongly believe’ a body found on a Maryland hiking trail on Sunday is 37-year-old mother Rachel Morin (GoFundme)

What is The Ma and Pa Trail?

Monday 7 August 2023 18:20 , Bevan Hurley

Rachel Morin was reported missing on Saturday night, and after law enforcement appealed for information to find the mother of five, a body was found on The Ma and Pa Trail on Sunday afternoon.

The 6.25 mile (10km) trail gets it name from the former Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad corridor that ran through the town of Bel Air in Hartford County.

The track was dismantled in the 1950s, and later turned into a heritage trail along the railroad’s former route.

It consists of a 3.3mile section through Bel Air and a 1.7mile segment in neighbouring Forest Hill.

According to Alltrails.com, the trail is moderately challenging and takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete.

In the wake of Ms Morin’s death, authorities have warned hikers to take particular care and be aware of their surroundings.

The Ma and Pa Trial, viewed from the Williams St trailhead, where Rachel Morin’s car was located on Sunday morning (Google Maps)
The Ma and Pa Trial, viewed from the Williams St trailhead, where Rachel Morin’s car was located on Sunday morning (Google Maps)

Map of the Ma and Pa Trail

Monday 7 August 2023 18:00 , Rachel Sharp

No suspects in Rachel Morin’s homicide

Monday 7 August 2023 17:40 , Rachel Sharp

Investigators have no suspects on their radar over the homicide of Rachel Morin.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday night, the sheriff said that there was no suspects and that he could not reassure the public that there is no danger.

“We firmly believe this is the body of Rachel Morin. But that final determination belongs with the medical examiner and that has not happened yet,” he said.

“Thankfully we don’t have too much violent crime in Harford County, but when we have one, I prefer when I can stand here and tell you that the suspect has been arrested or that it’s a targeted crime. I can’t tell you that is the case.”

He added: “I’m not going to go into what, physically, they observed at the scene. But investigators believe sadly that it’s a homicide case.”

Rachel Morin’s boyfriend says he ‘would never do anything to her’ as homicide probe launched

Monday 7 August 2023 17:20 , Rachel Sharp

The boyfriend of a Maryland mother-of-five has denied involvement in her death, after police launched a homicide probe into the death of a woman whose body was found on a popular hiking trail.

Rachel Morin, 37, disappeared after reportedly heading out for a hike on the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, Hartford County, at around 6pm on Saturday.

Her new boyfriend Richard Tobin, 27, reported her missing at around 11pm that night after she failed to return, Hartford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler told a press conference on Sunday.

Read the full story:

Rachel Morin’s boyfriend denies involvement as homicide probe launched

Rachel Morin’s family says death is ‘not accidental’ and she ‘did not go willingly'

Monday 7 August 2023 17:00 , Rachel Sharp

Rachel Morin’s family has described her death is “not accidental” and said the mother-of-five “did not go willingly”.

In a heartbreaking post on a GoFundMe campaign page, Morin’s sister Rebekah wrote: “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 6pm.

“In less then 24 hours her body was found by local law enforcement. It has only been a week since my niece Lily Beth passed away from SIDS, and I find that I have to make yet another gofundme to help my mother, Patty Morin with funeral costs. There was no life insurance in place.”

She added: “This was not an accidentally death, and she did not go willingly and she deserves a funeral worthy of her her beauty. If there are any remaining funds they will go towards things her 5 children may need. Please share, donate, comment and keep this going.

“Once we have made the arrangements I will update with service dates and times. If you wish to donate directly please message me on Facebook.”

Monday 7 August 2023 16:40 , Rachel Sharp

Officials in Harford County are urging members of the public to remain vigilant if they head out on the walking trails in the area – as Rachel Morin’s suspected killer remains at large.

In Sunday night’s press conference, Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler warned that they cannot reassure the public at this stage that there is no ongoing danger.

He urged people not to wear headphones while out on the trail so they can be aware of their surroundings, carry a whistle or alert device, go for walks or runs with friends or family members were possible, don’t stick to the same route and let family members know where they are.

“If you see something that feels suspicious, take out your phone and call 911,” he said.

The sheriff urged anyone with any information to come forward to authorities.

“If you think you have just the smallest titbit of information [or] you saw something... investigators would like to talk to you and have that information,” the sheriff said.

Harford County police rule out connection to other missing woman

Monday 7 August 2023 16:20 , Rachel Sharp

Officials in Harford County have ruled out any connection between the disappearance and suspected homicide of Rachel Morin and a second woman who went missing in the area the same day.

Karen Elliott, 58, was last seen at her home in Bel Air at around 2.20pm on Saturday afternoon.

Harford County Sheriff’s Office said she was wearing a green shirt and blue jeans and was seen heading into the wooded area behind Cypress Drive.

A search for the missing woman has so far not yielded any information as to her whereabouts.

In Sunday night’s press conference, the sheriff insisted that there is no connection between her disappearance and Morin’s case.

Karen Elliott, 58, was last seen at her home in Bel Air (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)
Karen Elliott, 58, was last seen at her home in Bel Air (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)

“We believe there is no danger to the community in the case of Karen Elliott,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the Southern Precinct at (410) 612-1717

WATCH: Woman's body found off of popular trail believed to be missing Maryland woman

Monday 7 August 2023 16:00 , Rachel Sharp

Mom-of-five’s new boyfriend breaks silence over death

Monday 7 August 2023 15:40 , Rachel Sharp

Rachel Morin’s new boyfriend has broken his silence after a body believed to belong to the mother-of-five was found close to a walking trail in Maryland.

Richard Tobin took to Facebook on Sunday to deny any involvement in her death.

“I love Rachel, I would never do anything to her, let the family and I grieve,” he wrote.

“Yes I have a past but I also have 15 months clean and have changed as a person. Please,” he added, apeparing to reference his prior criminal record.

His denial came as hundreds of people wrote on his Facebook page in the comments section under his recent relationship status post.

On 1 August – four days before Morin disappeared – Mr Tobin changed his status to in a relationship with Morin.

Two days later on 3 August, Morin had posted images of the couple together, writing: “Only started taking pics few weeks ago.. but these are a few of my favorites . From the beach to the mountains.”

Richard Tobin changed his status to in a relationship with Rachel Morin on 1 August (Facebook)
Richard Tobin changed his status to in a relationship with Rachel Morin on 1 August (Facebook)

Rachel Morin’s devastated sister reveals family heartbreak and launches GoFundMe

Monday 7 August 2023 15:20 , Rachel Sharp

Rachel Morin’s devastated sister posted on Facebook on Sunday that her sibling’s body had been found.

She said that she has now launched a GoFundMe to help the family with funeral expenses.

“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,” wrote Rebekah Morin.

“As many of you have seen, my brother Nathan and his wife Magan lost their sweet Lily Beth a week ago. So our whole family has been hit with back to back losses. My sister had no life insurance and my mother Patty Morin and I will be making the arrangements and need to raise funds to do so.

“So I have created this gofundme to pay for her funeral expenses. Please Share! Donate, comment. Whatever you can to do to help get the word out! If you wish to donate directly please message me. Thank you.”

The GoFundMe had topped $24,000 donations as of Monday morning.

Rachel Morin’s family launched a GoFundMe to help pay funeral expenses (GoFundMe)
Rachel Morin’s family launched a GoFundMe to help pay funeral expenses (GoFundMe)

Homicide investigation now under way

Monday 7 August 2023 15:00 , Rachel Sharp

In a press conference on Sunday night, Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler confirmed that a body believed to be that of Rachel Morin had been found by the Ma and Pa Trail.

He said that law enforcement are awaiting official confirmation from the medical examiner’s office to determine if it belongs to the missing mother-of-five.

The cause and manner of death remain unclear and are still under investigation, the sheriff’s office said.

The sheriff announced that the investigation has now changed from a missing persons investigation to a homicide investigation.

Body discovered in search for Rachel Morin

Monday 7 August 2023 14:45 , Rachel Sharp

The desperate search for Rachel Morin turned to tragedy at around 1.07pm on Sunday afternoon when a member of the public discovered the body of a woman off the trail.

He said that law enforcement believe the body belongs to Morin but that they are awaiting official confirmation from the medical examiner’s office.

The cause and manner of death remain unclear and are still under investigation, the sheriff’s office said.

Rachel Morin was last seen alive heading off on the Ma and Pa Trail (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)
Rachel Morin was last seen alive heading off on the Ma and Pa Trail (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)

Mother-of-five’s last known movements

Monday 7 August 2023 14:35 , Rachel Sharp

A homicide investigation has been launched after the body of a woman was discovered just hours after a mother-of-five vanished along a Maryland hiking trail.

Rachel Morin was last seen alive leaving her home to head to the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, Harford County, at around 6pm on Saturday evening, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

When the 37-year-old failed to return home that night, her boyfriend called police to report her missing.

On Sunday morning, Morin’s vehicle was found at the parking lot close to the entrance of the trail on Williams Street but there was no sign of the missing mother-of-five.

FULL STORY: Homicide investigation launched as body found after mother-of-five vanished on Maryland hiking trail

Monday 7 August 2023 14:29 , Rachel Sharp

A homicide investigation has been launched after the body of a woman was discovered just hours after a mother-of-five vanished along a Maryland hiking trail.

Rachel Morin was last seen alive leaving her home to head to the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, Harford County, at around 6pm on Saturday evening, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

When the 37-year-old failed to return home that night, her boyfriend called police to report her missing.

Read the full story here:

Body found in search for Maryland woman Rachel Morin who vanished on hiking trail

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