May 5, 2025 • 21 mins
Hey everyone, it’s Jen, and welcome back to True Crime and Headlines with Jules and Jen. Today, we're diving into a case that shocked an entire community, set off a nationwide investigation, and reignited debates on crime and safety. It’s a warm summer evening, a quiet suburban trail, a mother of five heading out for a routine jog—one she would never return from. What should have been an ordinary workout became the setting for a horrifying crime that left a family devastated and a town in mourning. Sources: CBS News News Nation CNN Harford County Sheriff's Office Don't forget to say hi to your hosts, Jules and Jen! Instagram: @yourhostjules@jenriverainvestigates Have a case you want us to cover? Please email us: outreach@fireeyesmedia.com Jules: jules@fireeyesmedia.com Jen: jen@fireeyesmedia.com Help us keep telling cases by leaving a 5 star review and rating wherever you get podcasts. True Crime and Headlines is a Fire Eyes Media LLC Network podcast and production. you're wanted you're loved and you deserve to be here
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey, friend, I know how this feels, waking up exhausted
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sudden leaks. I used to be constantly on edge, searching
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(00:25):
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(00:46):
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been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended
to diagnose, street cure, or prevent any disease us as directed.
Individual results may vary.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Fire Eyes Media. Hey everyone, it's Jen and welcome back
to true Cremin Headlines with Jules and Jen. Today, I'm
diving into a case that shocked an entire community, set
off a nationwide investigation, and reignited debates on crime and safety.
Now picture this. It's a warm summer evening, a quiet
(01:25):
suburban trail, a mother of five heading out for a
routine jog. Unfortunately, it's one she would never return from.
Which should have been an ordinary workout became the setting
for a horrifying crime that left a family devastated and
a town in mourning. Rachel Morren's tragic murder is more
(01:46):
than just a true crime case. It's a story of
a mother's love, a relentless search for justice, and the
disturbing reality of violence against women in everyday settings. Who
was Rachel Morin ha been that fateful night and how
did authorities track down her killer? Join me as I
unraveled the details of this heartbreaking case and its far
(02:10):
reaching impact. So let's go. Rachel Morin was a thirty
(02:34):
seven year old mother of five children ranging in age
from eight to eighteen, Known for her warm heart and
unwavering dedication to her family. She juggled the demands of
motherhood while building a small business as the owner of
a cleaning company. Rachel took pride in providing for her children,
ensuring they had a stable home and a bright future.
(02:55):
Friends and family remember her as a woman of resilience,
someone who faced life's challenges head on with determination and strength.
Beyond her responsibilities as a mother and business owner, Rachel
was deeply passionate about fitness and personal well being. She
often found solace and exercise, whether it was jogging through
the trails near her home or spending time at the gym.
(03:19):
Those close to her admired her commitment to self improvement,
both physically and emotionally, and she often encouraged others to
prioritize their own health and happiness. Despite encountering hardships, including
legal disputes with past partners, Rachel never let adversity define her. Instead,
she remained focused on her family, always striving to create
(03:42):
a positive and nurturing environment for her children. Her compassionate
nature extended beyond her immediate circle, as she was known
to help friends in need, offering support and encouragement during
difficult times. Rachel's story is one of perseverance and love,
a woman who worked tirelessly to build a better life
for her children while maintaining her own sense of strength
(04:05):
and identity. Her legacy lives on through the memory shared
by those who knew her best. A testament to the
impact she had on those around her. On the evening
of August fifth, twenty twenty three, Rachel left her home
around six pm for what was supposed to be a
routine jog along the mon Pa Trail, a well traveled
scenic pathway in Harvard County, Maryland. The trail, which was
(04:28):
popular among local runners and nature lovers, winds through wooded areas,
passing under highways, and alongside streams. For many in the community,
it was considered a safe and peaceful retreat. However, when
Rachel failed to return home as expected, concern quickly grew.
Her boyfriend, Richard Tobin, realizing she had been gone for
(04:50):
an unusually long time, attempted to contact her. When there
was no response and hours passed without any sign of Rachel,
he reported her missing to local authora at approximately eleven
to twenty pm that night. A search effort began as
Rachel's family and friends feared the worst. The following morning,
(05:10):
investigators intensified their efforts, scouring the Manpa Trail for any
signs of Rachel. Around noon, authorities located her car still
parked near the William Street trailhead in bel Air, suggesting
she had never returned from her run. At approximately one PM,
a volunteer searcher, one of many community members who had
(05:31):
come out to help, made a horrifying discovery. Rachel's body
was found seventy to eighty feet off of the trail,
hidden in a heavily wooded area. The scene was brutal.
Investigators determined that she had been beaten and sexually assaulted
before being left in the secluded spot. The discovery sent
(05:53):
shockwaves through the local community, many of whom had always
viewed the trail as a safe place. Her injuries indicated
extreme violence, suggesting the assailant had a high level of
aggression and absolutely no regard for human life. Investigators immediately
recognized the characteristics of a sadistic and opportunistic predator, which
(06:16):
made catching the perpetrator a top priority. Law enforcement quickly
taped off the area, deploying forensic experts, canine units, and
specialized crime scene investigators to comb through every inch of
the site for potential evidence. Crime scene investigators collected critical
DNA evidence from Rachel's body, which would later become a
key piece in the hunt for her killer. As news
(06:37):
of Rachel's murder spread, fear and outrage gripped Harford County.
The Harvard County Sheriff's Office swiftly ruled her death a homicide,
launching an intense investigation that garnered national attention. Detectives received
hundreds of tips, but progress was slow. However, a breakthrough
came when authorities linked DNA from Rachel's crime scene to
(07:01):
an unsolved case in Los Angeles. In March twenty twenty three,
a home invasion in LA had resulted in the sexual
assault of a nine year old girl. Surveillance footage from
that incident captured a grainy image of a man leaving
the scene. Investigators now had reason to believe that Rachel's
killer and the suspect from the Los Angeles case were
(07:23):
the same person, but unfortunately, his identity remained unknown. Months
passed with no confirmed suspect. Then, in March twenty twenty four,
forensic testing yielded a match. The DNA collected from Rachel's
murder scene was identical to the DNA recovered from the
Los Angeles crime. This discovery solidified the theory that the
(07:46):
same serial predator was responsible for both attacks. The suspect
was identified as Victor Antonio Martinez, Hernandez, a twenty three
year old undocumented immigrant from El Salvador. The revelation intensified
public scrutiny and frustration, particularly regarding how he had evaded
(08:07):
capture for so long. After a ten month manhunt, law
enforcement officials tracked down Martinez Hernandez in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Authorities
determine that following Rachel's murder, he had spent time in
Maryland before relocating.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
I've got some super exciting news to share with you.
Mark your calendars for Crime Con London twenty twenty five,
partnered by True Crime Channel, which is set to take
place on the seventh and eighth June twenty twenty five.
That's right, I'll be there along with some of the
biggest names in true crime at the ultimate true crime event.
Whether you've been listening or following since the start, or
(08:41):
you've just started binging, this is your chance to meet
me in person. Hi, it's Jule's share your theories with
me and even uncover some new details from behind the
stories that I cover. I am beyond excited to meet
you all. Join me in the true crime community at
Crime Con London, partnered by True Crime. The expert led
to your crime channel available on your platform of choice.
(09:04):
Head over to crimecon dot co dot uk and use
my promo code Jewels that's j U l e S
for a ten percent discount. Let's make this the most
unforgettable crime cognent you want, want to miss it and
I'll see you there.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
He had stayed with relatives in Harvard County from December
twenty twenty three to May twenty twenty four, completely unaware
that authorities were closing in on him. A crucial piece
of evidence that led to his arrest was clothing and
shoes left behind at a Maryland residence, items that contained
DNA linking him to Rachel's murder. On June eighteenth, twenty
(09:40):
twenty four, Martinez Hernandez was extradited back to Maryland, where
he was formally charged with first degree murder and first
degree rape. His capture brought a measure of justice for
Rachel's family, though the tragic circumstances of her death continue
to resonate within the community. The case also rigged now
to discussions about public safety, immigration policies, and the importance
(10:04):
of forensic technology in solving violent crimes. Rachel's story remains
a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life, but her
family and friends continue to honor her memory, ensuring that
her legacy is one of strength, love, and perseverance. Following
Rachel Moren's tragic disappearance and murder, her boyfriend Richard Tobin
(10:26):
quickly became a focal point of public speculation and intense
media scrutiny. As is often the case in homicide investigations,
law enforcement initially looked closest to home, interviewing those closest
to Rachel, including Tobin, who was the one to report
her missing. However, speculations surrounding Tobin grew due to his
(10:46):
troubled past, which included fourteen arrests on charges raging from
drug offenses to assaults, and resisting arrest. This criminal history
led many to suspect he may have had some involvement
in Rachel's death, despite a lack of evidence pointing to him.
Rachel and Tobin had only been dating for a few
months at the time of her murder on August first,
(11:08):
twenty twenty three, just four days before she went missing.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
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after multiple trips to the bathroom and feeling embarrassed by
sudden leaks. I used to be constantly on edge, searching
for a restroom whenever I was out. Then I discovered
Better Woman. I was skeptical at first, but two months
in everything changed. I experienced improved bladder control, no more
(11:37):
heart stopping moments when I laugh or sneeze, less urged
to go deeper, and more RESTful sleep. I finally felt
like myself again, confident and in control. Better Woman is natural, effective,
clinically tested and trusted by women for over twenty five years.
Ready to take back your control. Head over to Bebetter
(11:59):
Now dot com. To order your supply today, that bebetternow
dot com. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
This product is not intended to diagnose, street cure or
prevent any disease US as directed. Individual results may vary.
Speaker 2 (12:13):
Tobin made their relationship public by posting a Facebook status
confirming they were together despite his past legal troubles. Friends
of Rachel described their relationship as new but serious. While
some close to her claims she was happy, others expressed
concern over Tobin's background and its history of run ins
with the law. Now it's really important to look at
(12:35):
how some family members or significant others can be looked
at as a potential suspect. Unfortunately, this happens time and
time again, and this is one reason I really wanted
to point it out in this case. Although we know
who the killer is, it's important to look at how
others were treated during this investigation. But at the same time,
(12:56):
the police needed to do their due diligence and cover
all that basis. And while Richard Tobin's past criminal record
made him an easy target for suspicion, the reality was
that Rachel's murder was committed by a dangerous stranger and
not by someone she knew. Tobin's public scrutiny serves as
a reminder of how quickly the court of public opinion
(13:17):
can turn against individuals based on their past, even when
there's no direct evidence leaking them to a crime. Now,
who exactly is Victor Antonio Martinez Hernandez Well As mentioned,
he's a twenty three year old undocumented immigrant from El
Salvador with a violent and extensive criminal history that spans
multiple countries. His past crimes reveal a pattern of escalating
(13:41):
violence and his ability to repeatedly evade capture has raised
serious concerns about border security and law enforcement gaps. His
documented criminal activities include a murder in El Salvador in
January of twenty twenty three, a home invasion and sexual
assault in Los Angeles, which we mentioned in March of
twenty twenty three, illegally crossing the US border four times
(14:02):
in twenty twenty three under Title forty two, and then
the brutal murder and sexual assault of Rachel Morin in
August of twenty twenty three. Martinez Hernandez's criminal history and
ability to repeatedly enter the US illegally despite his violent past,
have ignited a nationwide conversation about immigration enforcement, border security,
and forensic technology. For Rachel's family, the arrest of Martinez
(14:27):
Hernandez provides some measure of justice, but their loss remains irreparable.
In the wake of Rachel's murder, her mother, Patty Morin,
became a vocal figure, expressing both heartbreak over losing her
daughter and gratitude that her killer was eventually caught. Upon
hearing news of Martinez Hernandez's arrest, Hattie publicly shared her
(14:49):
relief that justice was being served, stating it doesn't bring
my daughter back, but at least we know he won't
hurt anyone else. She also spoke about the unbearable pain
of losing Rachel and the struggles her grandchildren now face.
As a mother of five children, Rachel was their primary caregiver,
and her death left an enormous void, not just emotionally,
(15:10):
but financially as well. To honor Rachel's life, local residents
organize candlelight vigils and memorial walks along the mon Pa Trail,
the same path where Rachel had gone for her final run,
where people shared memories of her warmth and kindness. Ribbons
and flowers were placed along the trail, turning the area
into a symbol of remembrance. After Rachel's murder, many local
(15:34):
residents pushed for better security measures along the mon Pa Trail,
including improved lighting and wooded areas, more security cameras, and
increased police patrols. Rachel's murder is part of a disturbing
trend of violence against women, particularly in cases where women
are attacked while jogging, walking, or engaging in routine activities.
(15:56):
Her case echoes similar tragedies, including that of Mallie Tibbets,
a twenty year old University of Iowa student who was
abducted and murdered while jogging near her home in Brooklyn, Iowa.
Her killer, christ and Bhina Rivera, an undocumented immigrant, later
confessed to the crime. Her death sparked nationwide debates about
public safety and immigration enforcement, much like Rachel's case. Another
(16:19):
similar case is Eliza Fletcher, a thirty four year old
teacher and mother of two who was kidnapped and killed
while jogging near her home in Memphis, Tennessee. Her attacker, CLEOTHA. Apston,
had a violent criminal history, including a previous conviction for
kidnapping another woman. Her murder reignited concerns about repeat offenders
and their ability to re enter society without proper monitoring.
(16:43):
Now some common themes in these cases. These women were alone,
engaging in daily routines, attackers were often strangers or repeat offenders,
and public outrage led to demand for reform, but unfortunately,
similar crimes continue to happen spend A continuing growing movement
for women's safety because of these cases, and Rachel's case
(17:07):
in particular, continues to ignite these discussions about how to
better protect women in public spaces, with advocacy groups pushing
for better trail safety measures nationwide, stronger sentencing for violent offenders,
self defense and awareness initiatives, and expanded use of DNA
and forensic technology. Women's safety advocates stress that these measures
(17:30):
aren't just about reaction, they're about prevention. The trial for
Rachel's murder was scheduled for April twenty twenty five, and
legal experts had predicted it could last more than two weeks.
Given the complexity of the forensic evidence, the severity of
the charges, and the public interest in assuring justice for Rachel,
State prosecutors have made it very clear from the start
(17:52):
that they were pursuing the maximum sentence. Given the brutality
of the crime, the DNA evidence linking Martinez hern and
Az to the attack, and his violent criminal history, prosecutors
argue that he is a clear danger to society and
must be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
While many members of the public and Rachel's family have
(18:14):
called for the death penalty, Maryland abolished capital punishment in
twenty thirteen. As a result. The harshest possible sentence, Martinez
Hernandez could receive his life in prison without parole. Now,
the trial began on April first of this year, with
jury selection which ran through April second, after a break
on April third. Opening statements were delivered on April fourth,
(18:36):
and Rachel's boyfriend, Richard Tobin, took the stand. Several witnesses
spoke before the court adjourned, including Warren's older daughter, a
sheriff deputy, and the man who found Warren on the
trail of a nap Over the next few days of
the case, evidence of witness testimony was presented on when
Wren went missing, where her body was found, and what
(18:57):
was found at the crime scene. Prose show the jury
some of these photos demonstrating the attack Moron had suffered.
Much of the testimony in the courtroom throughout the trial
was incredibly emotional. The latter days of trial were used
by the defense to establish that Martinez Hernandez had worked
and stayed in the area at the time of the murder.
The jury ultimately found Victor Martinez Hernandez guilty of first
(19:21):
degree murder, first degree rape, third degree sexual offense, and
kidnapping of Rachel Moron. The murder of Rachel Moron has
left in an undeniable mark, one that no conviction can
truly erase. While the killer's arrest brings a sense of justice,
it's the memory of Rachel and the strength of her
family that will stay with us. This case serves as
(19:42):
a painful reminder of the need to keep fighting for
the truth, even when the road is long and difficult.
It's not just about the crime. It's about honoring those
we've lost and ensuring that these victims' voices are never silenced.
Rachel's story doesn't end here. It lives on in every
effort to ensure justice is served and that others never
(20:05):
face the same horrors. Thank you so much for joining
me today and for listening to Rachel's story, and remember
you're wanted, You're loved, and you deserve to be here.
I'll catch in the next one. Fireeyes Media.
Speaker 4 (20:32):
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Hey, friend, I know how this feels, waking up exhausted
after multiple trips to the bathroom and feeling embarrassed by
sudden leaks. I used to be constantly on edge, searching
for a restroom whenever I was out. Then I discovered
Better Woman. I was skeptical at first, but two months
in everything changed. I experienced improved bladder control, no more
(00:25):
heart stopping moments when I laugh or sneeze, less urged
to go deeper, and more RESTful sleep. I finally felt
like myself again, confident and in control. Better Woman is natural, effective,
clinically tested and trusted by women for over twenty five years.
Ready to take back your control. Head over to be
(00:46):
beetter now dot com to order your supply to day
that be better now dot Com. These statements have not
been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended
to diagnose, street cure, or prevent any disease us as directed.
Individual results may vary.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Fire Eyes Media. Hey everyone, it's Jen and welcome back
to true Cremin Headlines with Jules and Jen. Today, I'm
diving into a case that shocked an entire community, set
off a nationwide investigation, and reignited debates on crime and safety.
Now picture this. It's a warm summer evening, a quiet
(01:25):
suburban trail, a mother of five heading out for a
routine jog. Unfortunately, it's one she would never return from.
Which should have been an ordinary workout became the setting
for a horrifying crime that left a family devastated and
a town in mourning. Rachel Morren's tragic murder is more
(01:46):
than just a true crime case. It's a story of
a mother's love, a relentless search for justice, and the
disturbing reality of violence against women in everyday settings. Who
was Rachel Morin ha been that fateful night and how
did authorities track down her killer? Join me as I
unraveled the details of this heartbreaking case and its far
(02:10):
reaching impact. So let's go. Rachel Morin was a thirty
(02:34):
seven year old mother of five children ranging in age
from eight to eighteen, Known for her warm heart and
unwavering dedication to her family. She juggled the demands of
motherhood while building a small business as the owner of
a cleaning company. Rachel took pride in providing for her children,
ensuring they had a stable home and a bright future.
(02:55):
Friends and family remember her as a woman of resilience,
someone who faced life's challenges head on with determination and strength.
Beyond her responsibilities as a mother and business owner, Rachel
was deeply passionate about fitness and personal well being. She
often found solace and exercise, whether it was jogging through
the trails near her home or spending time at the gym.
(03:19):
Those close to her admired her commitment to self improvement,
both physically and emotionally, and she often encouraged others to
prioritize their own health and happiness. Despite encountering hardships, including
legal disputes with past partners, Rachel never let adversity define her. Instead,
she remained focused on her family, always striving to create
(03:42):
a positive and nurturing environment for her children. Her compassionate
nature extended beyond her immediate circle, as she was known
to help friends in need, offering support and encouragement during
difficult times. Rachel's story is one of perseverance and love,
a woman who worked tirelessly to build a better life
for her children while maintaining her own sense of strength
(04:05):
and identity. Her legacy lives on through the memory shared
by those who knew her best. A testament to the
impact she had on those around her. On the evening
of August fifth, twenty twenty three, Rachel left her home
around six pm for what was supposed to be a
routine jog along the mon Pa Trail, a well traveled
scenic pathway in Harvard County, Maryland. The trail, which was
(04:28):
popular among local runners and nature lovers, winds through wooded areas,
passing under highways, and alongside streams. For many in the community,
it was considered a safe and peaceful retreat. However, when
Rachel failed to return home as expected, concern quickly grew.
Her boyfriend, Richard Tobin, realizing she had been gone for
(04:50):
an unusually long time, attempted to contact her. When there
was no response and hours passed without any sign of Rachel,
he reported her missing to local authora at approximately eleven
to twenty pm that night. A search effort began as
Rachel's family and friends feared the worst. The following morning,
(05:10):
investigators intensified their efforts, scouring the Manpa Trail for any
signs of Rachel. Around noon, authorities located her car still
parked near the William Street trailhead in bel Air, suggesting
she had never returned from her run. At approximately one PM,
a volunteer searcher, one of many community members who had
(05:31):
come out to help, made a horrifying discovery. Rachel's body
was found seventy to eighty feet off of the trail,
hidden in a heavily wooded area. The scene was brutal.
Investigators determined that she had been beaten and sexually assaulted
before being left in the secluded spot. The discovery sent
(05:53):
shockwaves through the local community, many of whom had always
viewed the trail as a safe place. Her injuries indicated
extreme violence, suggesting the assailant had a high level of
aggression and absolutely no regard for human life. Investigators immediately
recognized the characteristics of a sadistic and opportunistic predator, which
(06:16):
made catching the perpetrator a top priority. Law enforcement quickly
taped off the area, deploying forensic experts, canine units, and
specialized crime scene investigators to comb through every inch of
the site for potential evidence. Crime scene investigators collected critical
DNA evidence from Rachel's body, which would later become a
key piece in the hunt for her killer. As news
(06:37):
of Rachel's murder spread, fear and outrage gripped Harford County.
The Harvard County Sheriff's Office swiftly ruled her death a homicide,
launching an intense investigation that garnered national attention. Detectives received
hundreds of tips, but progress was slow. However, a breakthrough
came when authorities linked DNA from Rachel's crime scene to
(07:01):
an unsolved case in Los Angeles. In March twenty twenty three,
a home invasion in LA had resulted in the sexual
assault of a nine year old girl. Surveillance footage from
that incident captured a grainy image of a man leaving
the scene. Investigators now had reason to believe that Rachel's
killer and the suspect from the Los Angeles case were
(07:23):
the same person, but unfortunately, his identity remained unknown. Months
passed with no confirmed suspect. Then, in March twenty twenty four,
forensic testing yielded a match. The DNA collected from Rachel's
murder scene was identical to the DNA recovered from the
Los Angeles crime. This discovery solidified the theory that the
(07:46):
same serial predator was responsible for both attacks. The suspect
was identified as Victor Antonio Martinez, Hernandez, a twenty three
year old undocumented immigrant from El Salvador. The revelation intensified
public scrutiny and frustration, particularly regarding how he had evaded
(08:07):
capture for so long. After a ten month manhunt, law
enforcement officials tracked down Martinez Hernandez in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Authorities
determine that following Rachel's murder, he had spent time in
Maryland before relocating.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
I've got some super exciting news to share with you.
Mark your calendars for Crime Con London twenty twenty five,
partnered by True Crime Channel, which is set to take
place on the seventh and eighth June twenty twenty five.
That's right, I'll be there along with some of the
biggest names in true crime at the ultimate true crime event.
Whether you've been listening or following since the start, or
(08:41):
you've just started binging, this is your chance to meet
me in person. Hi, it's Jule's share your theories with
me and even uncover some new details from behind the
stories that I cover. I am beyond excited to meet
you all. Join me in the true crime community at
Crime Con London, partnered by True Crime. The expert led
to your crime channel available on your platform of choice.
(09:04):
Head over to crimecon dot co dot uk and use
my promo code Jewels that's j U l e S
for a ten percent discount. Let's make this the most
unforgettable crime cognent you want, want to miss it and
I'll see you there.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
He had stayed with relatives in Harvard County from December
twenty twenty three to May twenty twenty four, completely unaware
that authorities were closing in on him. A crucial piece
of evidence that led to his arrest was clothing and
shoes left behind at a Maryland residence, items that contained
DNA linking him to Rachel's murder. On June eighteenth, twenty
(09:40):
twenty four, Martinez Hernandez was extradited back to Maryland, where
he was formally charged with first degree murder and first
degree rape. His capture brought a measure of justice for
Rachel's family, though the tragic circumstances of her death continue
to resonate within the community. The case also rigged now
to discussions about public safety, immigration policies, and the importance
(10:04):
of forensic technology in solving violent crimes. Rachel's story remains
a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life, but her
family and friends continue to honor her memory, ensuring that
her legacy is one of strength, love, and perseverance. Following
Rachel Moren's tragic disappearance and murder, her boyfriend Richard Tobin
(10:26):
quickly became a focal point of public speculation and intense
media scrutiny. As is often the case in homicide investigations,
law enforcement initially looked closest to home, interviewing those closest
to Rachel, including Tobin, who was the one to report
her missing. However, speculations surrounding Tobin grew due to his
(10:46):
troubled past, which included fourteen arrests on charges raging from
drug offenses to assaults, and resisting arrest. This criminal history
led many to suspect he may have had some involvement
in Rachel's death, despite a lack of evidence pointing to him.
Rachel and Tobin had only been dating for a few
months at the time of her murder on August first,
(11:08):
twenty twenty three, just four days before she went missing.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Hey, friend, I know how this feels. Waking up exhausted
after multiple trips to the bathroom and feeling embarrassed by
sudden leaks. I used to be constantly on edge, searching
for a restroom whenever I was out. Then I discovered
Better Woman. I was skeptical at first, but two months
in everything changed. I experienced improved bladder control, no more
(11:37):
heart stopping moments when I laugh or sneeze, less urged
to go deeper, and more RESTful sleep. I finally felt
like myself again, confident and in control. Better Woman is natural, effective,
clinically tested and trusted by women for over twenty five years.
Ready to take back your control. Head over to Bebetter
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Speaker 2 (12:13):
Tobin made their relationship public by posting a Facebook status
confirming they were together despite his past legal troubles. Friends
of Rachel described their relationship as new but serious. While
some close to her claims she was happy, others expressed
concern over Tobin's background and its history of run ins
with the law. Now it's really important to look at
(12:35):
how some family members or significant others can be looked
at as a potential suspect. Unfortunately, this happens time and
time again, and this is one reason I really wanted
to point it out in this case. Although we know
who the killer is, it's important to look at how
others were treated during this investigation. But at the same time,
(12:56):
the police needed to do their due diligence and cover
all that basis. And while Richard Tobin's past criminal record
made him an easy target for suspicion, the reality was
that Rachel's murder was committed by a dangerous stranger and
not by someone she knew. Tobin's public scrutiny serves as
a reminder of how quickly the court of public opinion
(13:17):
can turn against individuals based on their past, even when
there's no direct evidence leaking them to a crime. Now,
who exactly is Victor Antonio Martinez Hernandez Well As mentioned,
he's a twenty three year old undocumented immigrant from El
Salvador with a violent and extensive criminal history that spans
multiple countries. His past crimes reveal a pattern of escalating
(13:41):
violence and his ability to repeatedly evade capture has raised
serious concerns about border security and law enforcement gaps. His
documented criminal activities include a murder in El Salvador in
January of twenty twenty three, a home invasion and sexual
assault in Los Angeles, which we mentioned in March of
twenty twenty three, illegally crossing the US border four times
(14:02):
in twenty twenty three under Title forty two, and then
the brutal murder and sexual assault of Rachel Morin in
August of twenty twenty three. Martinez Hernandez's criminal history and
ability to repeatedly enter the US illegally despite his violent past,
have ignited a nationwide conversation about immigration enforcement, border security,
and forensic technology. For Rachel's family, the arrest of Martinez
(14:27):
Hernandez provides some measure of justice, but their loss remains irreparable.
In the wake of Rachel's murder, her mother, Patty Morin,
became a vocal figure, expressing both heartbreak over losing her
daughter and gratitude that her killer was eventually caught. Upon
hearing news of Martinez Hernandez's arrest, Hattie publicly shared her
(14:49):
relief that justice was being served, stating it doesn't bring
my daughter back, but at least we know he won't
hurt anyone else. She also spoke about the unbearable pain
of losing Rachel and the struggles her grandchildren now face.
As a mother of five children, Rachel was their primary caregiver,
and her death left an enormous void, not just emotionally,
(15:10):
but financially as well. To honor Rachel's life, local residents
organize candlelight vigils and memorial walks along the mon Pa Trail,
the same path where Rachel had gone for her final run,
where people shared memories of her warmth and kindness. Ribbons
and flowers were placed along the trail, turning the area
into a symbol of remembrance. After Rachel's murder, many local
(15:34):
residents pushed for better security measures along the mon Pa Trail,
including improved lighting and wooded areas, more security cameras, and
increased police patrols. Rachel's murder is part of a disturbing
trend of violence against women, particularly in cases where women
are attacked while jogging, walking, or engaging in routine activities.
(15:56):
Her case echoes similar tragedies, including that of Mallie Tibbets,
a twenty year old University of Iowa student who was
abducted and murdered while jogging near her home in Brooklyn, Iowa.
Her killer, christ and Bhina Rivera, an undocumented immigrant, later
confessed to the crime. Her death sparked nationwide debates about
public safety and immigration enforcement, much like Rachel's case. Another
(16:19):
similar case is Eliza Fletcher, a thirty four year old
teacher and mother of two who was kidnapped and killed
while jogging near her home in Memphis, Tennessee. Her attacker, CLEOTHA. Apston,
had a violent criminal history, including a previous conviction for
kidnapping another woman. Her murder reignited concerns about repeat offenders
and their ability to re enter society without proper monitoring.
(16:43):
Now some common themes in these cases. These women were alone,
engaging in daily routines, attackers were often strangers or repeat offenders,
and public outrage led to demand for reform, but unfortunately,
similar crimes continue to happen spend A continuing growing movement
for women's safety because of these cases, and Rachel's case
(17:07):
in particular, continues to ignite these discussions about how to
better protect women in public spaces, with advocacy groups pushing
for better trail safety measures nationwide, stronger sentencing for violent offenders,
self defense and awareness initiatives, and expanded use of DNA
and forensic technology. Women's safety advocates stress that these measures
(17:30):
aren't just about reaction, they're about prevention. The trial for
Rachel's murder was scheduled for April twenty twenty five, and
legal experts had predicted it could last more than two weeks.
Given the complexity of the forensic evidence, the severity of
the charges, and the public interest in assuring justice for Rachel,
State prosecutors have made it very clear from the start
(17:52):
that they were pursuing the maximum sentence. Given the brutality
of the crime, the DNA evidence linking Martinez hern and
Az to the attack, and his violent criminal history, prosecutors
argue that he is a clear danger to society and
must be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
While many members of the public and Rachel's family have
(18:14):
called for the death penalty, Maryland abolished capital punishment in
twenty thirteen. As a result. The harshest possible sentence, Martinez
Hernandez could receive his life in prison without parole. Now,
the trial began on April first of this year, with
jury selection which ran through April second, after a break
on April third. Opening statements were delivered on April fourth,
(18:36):
and Rachel's boyfriend, Richard Tobin, took the stand. Several witnesses
spoke before the court adjourned, including Warren's older daughter, a
sheriff deputy, and the man who found Warren on the
trail of a nap Over the next few days of
the case, evidence of witness testimony was presented on when
Wren went missing, where her body was found, and what
(18:57):
was found at the crime scene. Prose show the jury
some of these photos demonstrating the attack Moron had suffered.
Much of the testimony in the courtroom throughout the trial
was incredibly emotional. The latter days of trial were used
by the defense to establish that Martinez Hernandez had worked
and stayed in the area at the time of the murder.
The jury ultimately found Victor Martinez Hernandez guilty of first
(19:21):
degree murder, first degree rape, third degree sexual offense, and
kidnapping of Rachel Moron. The murder of Rachel Moron has
left in an undeniable mark, one that no conviction can
truly erase. While the killer's arrest brings a sense of justice,
it's the memory of Rachel and the strength of her
family that will stay with us. This case serves as
(19:42):
a painful reminder of the need to keep fighting for
the truth, even when the road is long and difficult.
It's not just about the crime. It's about honoring those
we've lost and ensuring that these victims' voices are never silenced.
Rachel's story doesn't end here. It lives on in every
effort to ensure justice is served and that others never
(20:05):
face the same horrors. Thank you so much for joining
me today and for listening to Rachel's story, and remember
you're wanted, You're loved, and you deserve to be here.
I'll catch in the next one. Fireeyes Media.
Speaker 4 (20:32):
This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. May is Mental health
Awareness Month and talkspace, the leading virtual therapy provider, is
telling everyone let's face it in therapy. By talking or
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relationship drama, past trauma, bad habits, or another challenge that
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Just go to talkspace dot com and you'll be paired
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