DNA links killing of Maryland hiker to Los Angeles home invasion

BEL AIR, Md. — DNA proof has linked the current killing of a Maryland lady whose physique was discovered close to a climbing path to a Los Angeles residence invasion and assault of a woman earlier this yr, authorities mentioned.

Each instances stay unsolved. Detectives matched DNA collected from the crime scenes, however they haven’t recognized the suspect but. Following a information convention Thursday night in Harford County northeast of Baltimore, authorities launched surveillance footage and images of the suspect from video captured whereas he was leaving the home that authorities mentioned he broke into in March.

Rachel Morin, 37, left her residence to go climbing the night of Aug. 5 and by no means returned. Her boyfriend reported her lacking later that evening and her automotive was discovered close to an entrance to a path she frequented, officers have mentioned.

Her physique was found the next day after her disappearance was extensively reported.

“We imagine this was an individual that Rachel in all probability didn’t know,” Col. William Davis with the Harford County Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned on the information convention, calling the killing a “probably a random act of violence.”

Davis mentioned legislation enforcement has no thought the place the suspect is now.

He mentioned DNA proof recovered from Morin’s physique matched one other pattern in a nationwide legislation enforcement database, which is how detectives linked the 2 instances. Davis declined to supply extra particulars concerning the Los Angeles assault, saying solely that the sufferer was a younger woman.

Authorities mentioned they hope somebody will acknowledge the suspect from the surveillance footage and assist detectives make an arrest.

Within the meantime, Davis urged individuals to watch out within the space the place Morin went lacking. The sheriff’s workplace has ramped up patrols and Harford County officers introduced earlier this week that cameras would quickly be put in alongside the Ma and Pa Heritage Path, which follows an previous railroad via the county.

In an Aug. 10 Facebook put up, Morin’s household requested for compassion and house to grieve. Morin leaves behind 5 kids. As a result of she was an avid runner, the household mentioned they’re hoping to plan a 5K in her honor.