Police are looking into whether a woman found dead off a well-traveled hiking trail in Maryland on Sunday was the 37-year-old woman who was reported missing by her boyfriend, according to authorities.
The Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air is where Rachel Morin allegedly went at around six o’clock on Saturday night, according to Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler. When she didn’t arrive home by 11:30 p.m., her boyfriend reported her missing.
near around 1 p.m. on Sunday, a volunteer searcher discovered Morin’s body after discovering his car near the trailhead, according to Gahler.
“They set up a command center here, so we figured it was something rather grave that occurred to that poor woman,” Bel Air neighbor Kathy Tunney told CBS Baltimore.
Deputies spent hours at the crime site before the area was reopened, but Gahler cautioned trail users to exercise caution. He claimed he was unable to affirm just yet that the public is not in danger.
“We recognize that this homicide raises a lot of questions. We are quite concerned about it,” Gahler added. The path traverses many different areas of Harford County and is one of our most valuable parks and recreation assets.
Residents in the usually peaceful neighborhood told CBS Baltimore that they are shocked.
Tunney stated, “My daughter was just out running this morning, all the way to the end of the trail and back.” Therefore, we appreciate it and enjoy living nearby. I’ve never experienced fear.
Gahler announced that as deputies do their investigation, there will be a greater police presence along the trail.
Gahler urged everyone using the trail to constantly be mindful of their surroundings. “The earbuds are fantastic because they make working out easier, but they can also make it harder for you to be aware of your surroundings. If at all possible, buddy up when running or walking, consider using an alarm device like a whistle, and let relatives know where you are. Take out your phone, dial 911, and let law enforcement handle the situation if you observe something that makes you feel uneasy or suspicious.
The trail is located near the center of Bel Air, which is about 30 miles northeast of Baltimore.
The GoFundMe campaign started by Morin’s sister Rebekah has received over twenty thousand dollars so far.
“This wasn’t an accident [sic] death, she did not go voluntarily, and she ought to receive a funeral worthy of her beauty,” claimed Rebekah Morin.