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Jury Selection Begins in Trial for Rachel Morin’s Accused Killer

The high-profile trial of Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, charged with the rape and murder of Rachel Morin, has commenced in Bel Air, Maryland, with jury selection underway.

A memorial for Rachel Morin is displayed on a tree on the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail in Bel Air.
Bel Air Police closed Courtland and Office streets near the Harford County Circuit Courthouse as the trial for Rachel Morin’s suspected killer began on Monday morning. (Brennan Stweart/Staff)
Harford County States Attorney Allison Healy exits the courthouse during a lunch recess. A pretrial hearing is held for the man accused of murdering 37-year-old Rachel Morin in the Harford County Circuit Court. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)
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Overview

  • Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five, was found dead near the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail in August 2023 after a violent attack.
  • Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, is accused of Morin’s murder and linked to other violent crimes, including a Los Angeles home invasion.
  • Jury selection for the trial began on April 1, 2025, and is expected to take three days, with opening statements scheduled for April 4.
  • The defense's motions for juror sequestration and a change of venue were denied, raising concerns about pre-trial publicity affecting juror impartiality.
  • Public access to the courtroom during jury selection has been restricted due to capacity issues, prompting criticism over transparency in the judicial process.