Morin Slaying: Holidays Hard For Children Split Up, Says Grandmother

BEL AIR, MD ? Christmas always meant food, gifts and a crowded, exuberant extended family gathering for Rachel Morin and her five children. Nearly five months after the 37-year-old mother was found slain near the popular Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, such a holiday is impossible this year for the grieving family.

And, an attorney representing her loved ones in the search for the killer told Patch area residents need to be vigilant when out shopping or at holiday events, in case the suspect is targeting other possible victims.

Rachel's mother, Patty Morin, told Patch the slain mom's siblings and children are doing the best they can this season.

Growing up, Rachel Morin embraced every holiday in her childhood home, Patty Morin said.

"Rachel loved the holidays in our house. It was one of the best seasons of the year. Holidays started when school started, basically. The children were already planning for birthdays ? we have six in a two-week span, making their costumes for harvest parties, making decorations for Thanksgiving, and we always made gifts for each other for birthdays, Christmas, any holiday or 'just because I love you' gifts ? a tradition we started when the children were toddlers," Patty Morin told Patch in an exclusive interview.

"We wanted them to know it's not the money spent, but the time and thought invested into the gifts that were made that showed the love and thoughts we have for one another. The child receiving the gift felt loved, and the child who made the gift felt appreciated. A tradition that 40 years later is still practiced and has been passed down," Patty Morin said.

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As an adult, Rachel continued to make the holidays magical for her own children, her mother said.

"Rachel and her children would put on Christmas music and pull out all the lights and ornaments, spray snow, bake some brownies and decorate together, stringing lights around the living room and tree, pulling out the seasonal pillows and wall art. But one of their favorite things to do was when the whole family, about 40 people including siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, etc., would go to my oldest son's home.

"Christmas morning, they woke Mom up early, opened gifts, got dressed and then headed to Uncle Nate's, where there were more gifts, tons of food, games and laughter. They would go to the wee hours when everyone was exhausted from all the merriment. Rachel and her children loved this time. She was the life of the party, so she was in her element," Patty Morin said.

Rachel's children range in age from 8 to 18 and have three different fathers, her former employer told the New York Post. Since Rachel's death in August 2023, her family members have only been able to see her five children a couple of times since they live with their dads.

"As time has progressed, I don't know how they are doing; I do know that some have outside support. I do know they miss each other. Family togetherness and not so much the gifts have always been how our family has celebrated the holidays," Patty Morin said.

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In the meantime, investigators continue to hunt for Rachel Morin's killer, whom officials fear will strike again. Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler previously said he believes the man who took Morin's life is a serial killer. According to investigators, the suspect is a Hispanic man in his early to mid-20s and estimated to be 5?9" and weighing around 160 pounds.

"My concern is that this killer is escalating. My investigators and I both firmly believe that if we do not apprehend this individual, he will again, if he has not done so already. And, if given the chance, he certainly could become a serial killer," Gahler said. "Until he is in custody, this suspect poses a threat to every community in our country and maybe outside," he said.

The Morin family has been working with the legal firm Rice, Murtha & Psoras, LLC to help boost law enforcement's investigation and have blanketed the Bel Air community with English and Spanish flyers depicting the suspect. The same information was shared with schools surrounding a Los Angeles home where officials believe the same suspect sexually assaulted a girl, according to investigators.

DNA evidence from the Morin crime scene matched DNA found at the scene of that March 2023 home invasion in L.A. Doorbell camera video provided by the Los Angeles Police Department captured a brief clip of that man leaving the scene of the reported home invasion and assault in California.

"There are no new leads at this time. We are told by detectives that they still have leads and we are hopeful someone calls in with a tip that can identify the suspect," Randolph Rice, attorney with Rice, Murtha & Psoras, LLC, told Patch in an exclusive interview.

Rice warned everyone to be aware of their surroundings at all times. He told Patch the suspect in Rachel Morin's murder "side-stalks" his victims. During the holidays, people are easily distracted by festive light displays and Santa sightings, for example, which makes it even more important for people to be aware of their surroundings.

"Please be very aware of those around you. Have you seen that same guy in two different places? Don't consider it a coincidence. Take a pic with your phone, call the sheriff's office or email our attorney and we will forward the tip/picture from you. You must be diligent for your safety and that of your family. He could be the guy standing next to you," Rice told Patch.

Anyone with information related to the Rachel Morin murder case can contact the Harford County Sheriff?s Office at (410) 836-7788 or via email at RMtips@HarfordSheriff.org. To learn more about contributing to the Rachel Morin Reward Fund, individuals can visit the law firm's dedicated website at https://ricelawmd.com/reward.

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