The sister of the missing Maryland mother, who was found dead on a hiking trail on Sunday, revealed her death is the second the family has suffered in a week — after their brother lost his infant daughter to SIDS.
In a Facebook post, Rebekah Morin wrote, “My brother Nathan and his wife Magan lost their sweet Lily Beth a week ago. So our whole family has been hit with back-to-back losses.”
Rachel Morin, 37, was found dead on Sunday after leaving for a walk around 6pm. It’s unclear who she was walking with, but her new boyfriend Richard Tobin, 27, has reported her missing.
No motive has yet been identified in the death of the mother of five, but investigators believe it may have been murder.
Police and family have not shared details of where Rachel was found, but Rebekah wrote that “this was not an accidental death, and she did not go voluntarily.”
Rachel Morin, 37, was found dead on a Maryland hiking trail Sunday afternoon after disappearing the night before. Her new boyfriend called her disappearance on Saturday night
Morin’s sister revealed that Rachel’s mysterious death is the second tragedy to plague the family in a week, after their brother’s daughter unexpectedly died of sudden infant death syndrome. Pictured here are Magan Morin (Rachel’s sister-in-law), Nathan Morin and baby Lily Beth, who sadly passed away last week
On Sunday, Magan Morin – Rebekah and Rachel’s sister-in-law – shared a statement on Facebook thanking those who have offered support in the time following her daughter’s unexpected death from SIDS.
“I want to thank everyone who has loved and supported us through the unexpected passing of our dear Lily Beth. I will finally thank each of you individually for all you have done.”
“For now, please know that we are so incredibly grateful for every call, message, comment, visit, food delivery, grocery delivery, monetary donation, etc,” she wrote.
On Sunday, Harford County sheriff’s officials said in a statement, “At approximately 1:07 p.m., a deceased woman was found along the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air. The identity of the victim, cause and manner of death are still under investigation.
“We are convinced that this is the body of Rachel Morin. But that final determination belongs to the medical examiner and that has not yet happened.
“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 that’s the case.”
“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, making the relationship public for the first time.
She wrote, along with two smiley face images, ‘Only started taking photos a few weeks ago.. but these are a few of my favourites. From the beach to the mountains.’
When questions arose about the woman’s death on Sunday, Tobin took to social media to insist he had nothing to do with the death.
Rachel’s sister, Rebekah Morin, shared a GoFundMe to help pay for Rachel’s funeral expenses following her tragic passing. The effort has raised approximately $30,000
Rebekah Morin, Rachel’s sister, announced that Rachel’s sudden loss was the second tragedy the family had experienced in a week, following the death of their brother’s daughter from sudden infant death syndrome.
Rachel Morin’s new boyfriend, Richard Tobin, has a significant criminal past and immediately claimed innocence following the discovery of her body by police on Sunday.
Rachel and her new boyfriend Richard Tobin. Tobin wrote in an update under their relationship status, “I love Rachel, I would never hurt her, let the family and I grieve”
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”
‘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.’
Tobin has been arrested 14 times since 2014 on various charges, including drug trafficking, assault, disorderly conduct, and refusal of arrest.
His long criminal record includes two arrests for second-degree assault, violating restraining orders, possession of drugs 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 felony – second-degree assault – occurred on March 14, 2020.
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.”
A GoFundMe for Rachel’s funeral costs had raised $30,000 by Monday afternoon. One for Lily Beth’s funeral expenses had raised nearly $4,000.