Police have launched a homicide investigation after a body believed to be missing woman Rachel Morin was found off a walking trail in Bel Air, Maryland.
The 37-year-old is believe to have left her home to go hiking along the Ma and Pa Trail at around 6pm local time on Saturday. However, when Rachel failed to return home, her partner dialled 911 and a missing persons investigation was launched.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has now confirmed a woman’s body was found off the trail at around 1.07pm on Sunday, August 6. While medical identification is yet to take place, police say they believe the woman to be Rachel.
In a press conference, Sheriff Jeff Gahler confirmed the incident was now being treated as a homicide. He sad: “While it was our hope Rachel would be found safe, at around 1.07pm, a citizen called 911 to report a female’s body had been located off the trail. At that time it was obvious that person was deceased.
“The investigation went from a missing person investigation to a homicide investigation. While we firmly believe this is the body of Rachel Morin, that final determination will belong with the medical examination and that dd not happen yet.
“We understand this icnident will cause a lot of concern. The trail, the crime scene down there, has been process and the trail will be reopened.”
Rachel was initially reported missing by her partner shortly after 6pm. Her car was later discovered just off the William Street entrance to the trail.
Part of the popular walking route was cordoned off while officers investigated. And although it has now reopened to the public, Sheriff Gahler said there will be an increased police presence in the area.
Sheriff Gahler said detectives will continue to work the case “as aggressively as they can” but did not currently have any potential suspects identified. He added: “We will leave no stone unturned but at this point in time, there is not a suspect.”
The officer also sad it was unclear when Rachel died. He said initial investigations suggest her death would have taken place at some point between arriving at the trail and when the body was discovered.
Officers now hope anyone with any information or security footage will come forward.
