Victor Martinez-Hernandez convicted in 2023 murder of Rachel Morin

Victor Martinez-Hernandez, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador, was found guilty of the first-degree premeditated murder and first-degree rape of Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five, who was killed while jogging in Bel Air, Maryland, in August 2023. The jury's decision followed a trial that presented DNA evidence linking him to the crime and witness testimonies regarding his presence in the area before and after Morin's death. Prosecutors argued that Martinez-Hernandez carried out a planned attack, while his defense contested the claim that the crime was random. His arrest in Oklahoma in June 2024 came after a nationwide manhunt, as he had evaded capture for nearly a year. The case has raised significant political concerns regarding immigration policies, with calls for increased border security. Sentencing for Martinez-Hernandez is pending, with the state seeking the maximum penalty, which could exceed life without parole.