Body found off Harford County trail believed to be woman reported missing night before
Bel Air, MD -- A woman found dead off a popular trail Sunday in Harford County is a 37-year-old who was reported missing the night before.
The identity was confirmed by the medical examiner.
Rachel Morin reportedly went to the Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air around 6 p.m. Saturday evening. She was reported missing by her boyfriend around 11:20 p.m. when she didn't return home.
Update #2 At approximately 1:07 pm, a female was located deceased off of the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air. The identity...
Posted by Harford County Sheriff's Office on Sunday, August 6, 2023
Morin's car was located at the trailhead on Williams Street.
Then, Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said a volunteer searching for Morin found the body around 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Police are investigating this death as a homicide.
#BREAKING Sheriff believes missing woman, Rachel Morin, has been found dead along Ma & Pa Trail.
— Jessica Albert (@JessicaAlbertTV) August 6, 2023
Her death has been ruled a homicide.
Investigators are awaiting official ID from medical examiner @wjz pic.twitter.com/XzRP9r8tVA
"They set up a command center here so we figured that it was something rather grave that had happened to that poor woman," Bel Air resident Kathy Tunney said.
#BREAKING Sheriff believes missing woman, Rachel Morin, has been found dead along Ma & Pa Trail.
— Jessica Albert (@JessicaAlbertTV) August 6, 2023
Her death has been ruled a homicide.
Investigators are awaiting official ID from medical examiner @wjz pic.twitter.com/XzRP9r8tVA
The trail reopened after deputies spent hours at the crime scene.
"We understand this homicide causes a lot of concern. It causes a lot of concern for us," Gahler said. "The trail is one of our major parks and recs assets that runs through a lot of different parts of Harford County."
Residents told WJZ they are in shock that these investigations are playing out in their normally quiet community.
"My daughter was just out running this morning to the end of the trail and back," Tunney said. "So we enjoy it and we enjoy living next to it. I have never felt afraid."
Gahler said there will be an increased police presence throughout the trail while deputies investigate.
The sheriff also advises people walking the trail to be vigilant.
"We ask anyone walking on the trail to always be aware of your surroundings," Gahler said. "The earbuds are great, they help you exercise, but it can also prevent you from being aware of your surroundings. If possible, walk or run with a friend, buddy-up, or consider wearing a whistle or an alert device, and let your family know where you are. If you see something that doesn't make you feel comfortable, and you feel suspicious about it, take out your phone and call 911 and let law enforcement respond."
Gahler said he can't confirm that there is not a threat to the public.
"I can't do it," he said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Golden at 410-836-5430.