HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND – A fugitive from El Salvador, accused of fleeing to the United States after allegedly committing a heinous crime in his home country, has now been charged with the murder and rape of a Maryland woman, according to law enforcement officials over the weekend.
Victor Martinez-Hernandez, 23, was apprehended in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he had been hiding after illegally entering the United States in February 2023. Authorities were able to link him through DNA evidence to the murder of Rachel Hannah Morin, a mother of five, who tragically went missing last year while on a walk along the Ma and Pa Heritage Trail, just 20 miles northeast of Baltimore.
The arrest of Martinez-Hernandez has brought some closure to Morin’s family, who have been grappling with her tragic disappearance for months. However, the case has also sparked a larger conversation about immigration policies and the safety of American citizens, with Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasizing the need for action from Congress to address these issues.
Attorney Randolph Rice, representing Morin’s family, pointed out the need for a solution to prevent such tragedies from happening again. Martinez-Hernandez has also been linked to a home invasion assault in Los Angeles, where a 9-year-old girl and her mother were injured, raising concerns about other potential victims.
Tulsa police arrested Martinez-Hernandez, who is now facing extradition to Maryland to face charges for his alleged crimes. Despite the progress in the case, concerns remain about the ability to prevent similar incidents in the future and hold perpetrators accountable.
Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler expressed his desire for Martinez-Hernandez to face justice in Maryland, highlighting the urgency of addressing immigration policies to ensure the safety of all citizens. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and help bring closure to the victims and their families.