A Maryland sheriff expressed his frustration with the open border policy after an illegal immigrant, Victor Antonio Martinez Hernandez, who was already wanted for murder in El Salvador, was arrested and charged with the rape and murder of Rachel Morin, a mother of five. Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler of Harford County emphasized that Martinez Hernandez should not have been in the country to commit such a heinous crime in the first place.
Martinez Hernandez was apprehended in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a police tip and DNA evidence led investigators to him. The sheriff highlighted that Martinez Hernandez entered the U.S. illegally in February 2023, shortly after being wanted for homicide in El Salvador. Authorities linked Martinez Hernandez’s DNA to a home invasion in Los Angeles, where a mother and her daughter were assaulted.
Gahler stressed the need for a workable immigration policy to prevent tragedies like Morin’s murder from happening. He called for a bipartisan effort to address longstanding border issues. Former President Trump also commented on the case, blaming President Biden for allowing criminals like Martinez Hernandez into the country.
Attorney Randolph Rice, representing Morin’s family, expressed astonishment that someone wanted for murder could gain entry into the U.S. He emphasized the need for Border Patrol to screen individuals more thoroughly to prevent such incidents. Rice pointed out that the issue of illegal immigration affects communities across the country, not just those near the southern border.
Martinez Hernandez waived extradition and will be sent back to Maryland to face charges. A DNA tip on what would have been Morin’s 38th birthday played a crucial role in uncovering leads that led to Martinez Hernandez’s arrest. The intensive investigation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, and cooperation from law enforcement officials in Los Angeles and Tulsa.
FBI investigators traveled to El Salvador as part of their efforts to identify Morin’s alleged killer through genetic genealogy. Patricia Morin, Rachel’s mother, expressed gratitude for the diligent and patient work of law enforcement in bringing Martinez Hernandez to justice. The arrest brought closure to a tragic chapter in the family’s life.
The case underscores the need for a comprehensive immigration policy to safeguard communities and prevent dangerous individuals from entering the country. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and advancements in DNA technology played a pivotal role in solving the case and ensuring justice for Rachel Morin and her loved ones.