Body Found of Harford County Trail Believed to be Woman Reported Missing Night Before
Bel Air, Maryland – A woman’s body was discovered off a popular hiking trail in Harford County on Sunday, and authorities believe it is the body of a 37-year-old woman who was reported missing the previous night. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is treating the death as a homicide and is actively investigating the case.
Rachel Morin, the woman in question, reportedly went to the Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air on Saturday evening around 6 p.m. According to Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler, she was reported missing by her boyfriend around 11:30 p.m. when she failed to return home.
Morin’s car was found at the trailhead, and it was a volunteer searcher who discovered the deceased body at approximately 1 p.m. on Sunday. Local resident Kathy Tunney expressed her shock at the incident, stating, “They set up a command center here so we figured that it was something rather grave that had happened to that poor woman.”
The area has since been reopened to the public, but Sheriff Gahler has urged caution to those using the trail. He stated, “We understand this homicide causes a lot of concern. It causes a lot of concern for us. The trail is one of our major parks and recs assets that runs through a lot of different parts of Harford County.”
Residents of the usually peaceful community expressed their disbelief at the tragedy. Tunney, whose daughter runs on the trail, said, “So we enjoy it and we enjoy living next to it. I have never felt afraid.” In response to the incident, there will be an increased police presence throughout the trail while deputies continue their investigation.
In light of the incident, the Sheriff’s Office has provided safety tips for those using the trail. They advised people to be aware of their surroundings, avoid wearing earbuds that could hinder their ability to hear potential threats, walk or run with a friend, and carry a whistle or alert device. If anyone spots something suspicious or feels uncomfortable, they are encouraged to call 911 immediately.
The Ma & Pa Trail is located near the center of Bel Air, approximately 50 miles northeast of Baltimore. A GoFundMe page has been set up by Morin’s sister Rebekah to raise funds for a funeral, and it has already garnered over $20,000 in donations. Rebekah Morin emphasized that her sister’s death was not accidental, stating, “This was not an accidental death, and she did not go willingly and she deserves a funeral worthy of her beauty.”
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is determined to find answers in this tragic case and will continue to search for leads. Meanwhile, the community remains on high alert, hoping for justice for Rachel Morin.