Suspect in Maryland mom Rachel Morin’s killing due in court

( NewsNation ) — The suspect charged in connection to the death of 37-year-old Maryland mother Rachel Morin is due in court Friday morning.

Victor Martinez-Hernandez, an El Salvador national, will appear in Harford County Circuit Court for a motions hearing on charges of rape, kidnapping and murder.

In a motions hearing, the judge will listen to arguments from the defense and prosecution regarding pretrial matters, such as evidence allowed at trial, a change of venue or excluding specific witness testimony.

The prosecution or defense in this case may request a postponement of the motions hearing, according to the Morin family attorney. There were no motions filed with the court ahead of Friday’s hearing.

“While we hope for timely justice, it is possible that both parties may request a postponement, which could delay the current trial date of October 23, 2024. However, the family remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice for Rachel, and we will continue to push for accountability,” Randolph Rice, the Morin family attorney and spokesperson, said in a news release.

If the hearing is postponed, the trial scheduled for Oct. 23 would likely also be delayed. Cameras are not allowed in the courtroom.

“The outcome of these motions may significantly impact the direction of the case,” the release said.

Morin, a mom of five, was first reported missing Aug. 5, 2023, and found the next day on a popular hiking trail in Harford County. Police began a 10-month nationwide manhunt for the suspect they believed to be Martinez-Hernandez, who was 22 years old at the time of the killing.

He was arrested June 15 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was officially indicted July 2 and denied bail , according to court records.

The high-profile killing sparked national outrage over the suspect’s immigration status. Martinez-Hernandez entered the U.S. from El Salvador illegally on at least three occasions last year, according to CBS News . He is also wanted for murder in his native country, according to the Tulsa Police Department .

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