Rachel Morin’s boyfriend pleads his innocence after the body of a mother of five was found on the trail in Maryland
A murdered woman’s boyfriend has pleaded his innocence after her body was found on a hiking trail – admitting he has a criminal background but claiming he had “changed” his habits.
Mother-of-five Rachel Morin, 37, disappeared around 6 p.m. Saturday as she left her home to go for a hike on the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, Maryland.
Richard Tobin, her new boyfriend, took to social media to claim he would “never hurt her” after the police update.
He has not been charged with anything and is not a suspect in the case.
Police confirmed a homicide investigation had been launched – despite a coroner not formally confirming that the body belonged to Morin – based on what officers “physically observed at the scene.”
Without going into details of what was discovered, Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said the place where the deceased female body was found was “unfortunately” consistent with a homicide.
Rachel Morin, 37, was last seen leaving her home around 6 p.m. Saturday to take a hike on the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, Maryland. A body was discovered near the 6.5-mile hiking trail
Rachel and her new boyfriend Richard Tobin. Tobin, her boyfriend, wrote in an update under their relationship status, “I love Rachel, I would never hurt her, let the family and I grieve”
Tobin wrote under their recent relationship status update, “I love Rachel, I would never hurt her, let the family and I grieve.
‘Yes I have a past but I’ve also been clean for 15 months and have changed as a person. Please.’
The pair only started dating on Aug. 1, according to their joint social media post.
Tobin, 27, was the person who called police on Saturday night to report her missing.
He alluded to his lengthy police record — which included two arrests for second-degree assault, violating restraining orders, drug possession and willful destruction of property.
Tobin also has a number of traffic violations, a felony fugitive, resisting arrest and disorderly drunkenness and conduct marks on his criminal record, documents show.
His most recent recorded offense – second-degree assault – occurred on March 14, 2020. An outcome has not yet been determined.
The first of his 26 arrests was for a DUI in Pennsylvania on March 9, 2016, to which he pleaded guilty.
In an update to their statement about her disappearance, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday, “At approximately 1:07 p.m., a deceased woman was found along the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air.
The victim’s identity, cause and manner of death are still under investigation.
“We are convinced that this is the body of Rachel Morin. But that final determination is with the medical examiner and that has not happened yet.’
They said there is still no suspect in her death.
“Luckily we don’t have too much violent crime in Harford County, but if we do have one I prefer if I can stand here and tell you that the suspect has been arrested or if it’s a targeted crime .
‘I can’t tell you it is.
Tobin pleaded his innocence on Facebook, saying he would do nothing to harm Rachel
Just days before her disappearance and death, Rachel shared snaps of her and her new boyfriend Richard
Morin was described by police as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 107 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes
“I will not comment on what they physically observed on site. But detectives unfortunately believe it to be a murder case.”
Just days before her disappearance and death, Rachel shared snaps of her and her new boyfriend Richard.
She wrote, along with two smiling images: ‘Only started taking pictures a few weeks ago.. but these are a few of my favourites. From the beach to the mountains.’
Richard Tobin has been contacted by DailyMail.com for comment.
Morin was described by police as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 107 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes.
She was last seen wearing a blue or black tank top, black sports bra, black spandex shorts and gray sneakers.
Her car was also parked at the entrance to the path on Williams Street.
The pair only started dating on Aug. 1, according to social media
Police said a murder investigation had been launched – despite a coroner’s failure to confirm the body was definitely Morin’s – based on what officers “physically observed at the scene”
Tobin, Rachel’s boyfriend, was the person who called the police on Saturday night to report her missing
On a GoFundMe page, her sister Rebekah said her death was “not accidental” and that she “didn’t go voluntarily.”
She wrote, “It is with devastating grief and heartbreak that heartbreak has once again struck our family.
“My sister, Rachel Morin, went missing on Saturday, August 5, 2023 around 6:00 PM. In less than 24 hours, her body was found by local police.
“It’s only been a week since my niece Lily Beth passed away from SIDS, and I find myself needing to create another gofundme to help my mother, Patty Morin, with funeral costs.
“There was no life insurance.
“This was not an accidental death, and she did not go voluntarily, and she deserves a funeral worthy of her beauty.
“If there is any money left, they will go to things her 5 children need. Share, donate, comment and keep it up.
“Once we have made the arrangements, I will update with service dates and times. If you would like to donate directly, message me on Facebook.”
Tributes have poured in for the beloved mother.
One person wrote, “I just saw Rachel a few days ago. I have known her and her daughters for several years. She was always nice to me.
“I wish I could do more, but then again, I wish this had never happened. Condolences to family and friends and especially her children. Rest in peace Rachel.”
Another said, “I’m so sorry for the loss of her family. I think of all her loved ones, especially children.’
A third added: “We knew Rachel and her children well, and we will certainly miss them.”