Anish Vij
The new boyfriend of a woman who was found dead on a walking trail in Maryland has expressed his innocence amid a police investigation.
Rachel Morin's body was found off the Ma and Pa Trail in Maryland 'less than 24 hours after she went missing on Saturday August 5 2023 around 6pm', Rebekah Morin, the victim’s sister, said.
The 37-year-old was reported missing by her boyfriend Richard Tobin, 27, around 11.30 p.m. when she didn't return home.
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Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler said: "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."
Morin's car was located at the trailhead and a volunteer searcher found the body at about 1pm on Sunday (August 6), Gahler said.
Tobin has since denied any involvement, writing under the pair's August 1 relationship status on Facebook: "I love Rachel, I would never do anything to her, let the family and I grieve.
"Yes I have a past but I also have 15 months clean and have changed as a person. Please."
Tobin has not been accused of any wrongdoing and police have not named him as a suspect in their investigation.
The 27-year-old has reportedly been involved in two arrests for criminal second-degree assault, malicious destruction of property, drug possession, and violating restraining orders, according to court records obtained by the New York Post.
"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."
A GoFundMe page set up by Morin's sister Rebekah, reads: "It is with devastating sadness and a broken heart that our family has been hit with yet another heartbreak. My sister, Rachel Morin went missing on Saturday August 5 2023 around 6pm.
"In less then 24 hours her body was found by local law enforcement. It has only been a week since my niece Lily Beth passed away from SIDS, and I find that I have to make yet another gofundme to help my mother, Patty Morin with funeral costs. There was no life insurance in place.
"This was not an accidental death, and she did not go willingly and she deserves a funeral worthy of her her beauty.
"If there are any remaining funds they will go towards things her 5 children may need. Please share, donate, comment and keep this going."
UNILAD has contacted Harford County Sheriff's Office for comment.