BEL AIR, Md. (Scripps News Baltimore) — Opening statements are expected Friday in the trial of a man accused of murdering Rachel Morin while she was jogging on the Ma and Pa Heritage Trail.
Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez is facing life without the possibility of parole in the August 2023 death of 37-year-old Morin. He’s facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and rape.
MORE | Jury finds man accused in Rachel Morin’s murder guilty of all charges
Rachel Morin (Rice, Murtha, Psoras Trial Lawyers)
A jury of 10 men and two women was seated Thursday. A majority of the final panel members are white and many under the age of 40. Cameras are not allowed in the courtroom.
Due to the length of the trial, which is expected to last through Wednesday, April 16, six alternates made up of four men and two women were also selected to serve.
The case has captured national attention because of the defendant’s undocumented status and connection to prior violent crimes.
Police arrested Martinez-Hernandez in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in June 2024 by using investigative genetic genealogy to track down family members and later matching his DNA to the crime scene.
In January, a judge denied Martinez-Hernandez’s request to change venues due to the public attention the case had drawn.
“It is a big undertaking, particularly for just a small county as Harford County, but they are ready; they are prepared,” attorney Randolph Rice, who represents the Morin family, said.
Additional eyes on the case have prompted additional security measures and preparations by local police agencies, like the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and Bel Air Police Department.
This June 15, 2024 arrest photo provided by the Tulsa Police Dept. shows Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, wanted in the murder of Rachel Morin. (Tulsa Police Dept. via Scripps News Tulsa)
“We’ve had months of meetings, practice, and operation plans. We’ve put a lot of things into effect, more so than your normal trial would get, just because of the notoriety that this has gotten,” Major Lee Dunbar of the Sheriff’s Office said.
The Sheriff’s Office, which handles court security, reports no credible threats or anticipated protests, but Dunbar says they’re ready to handle whatever may happen.
The Harford County State’s Attorney declined to comment on the case until after the trial.
The defendant’s public defenders released the following statement:
“Mr. Martinez-Hernandez asserts his innocence and looks forward to his day in court. There are many unanswered questions in this case and we are prepared to hold the State to its burden.”
-Assistant public defenders Sawyer Hicks, Marcus Jenkins and Tara LeCompte
This story was originally published by Scripps News Baltimore, an E.W. Scripps Company.
