In a poignant display of grief and outrage, Patty Morin, the mother of murdered Maryland woman Rachel Morin, condemned Senator Chris Van Hollen for his recent trip to El Salvador, where he sought the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member. During a White House press briefing on April 16, 2025, Patty Morin expressed her disbelief that a senator from Maryland would prioritize the return of a deported illegal immigrant over acknowledging the brutal murder of her daughter, who was killed in 2023.
“I just don’t understand this,” Patty Morin said, her voice filled with emotion as she recounted the horrific details of her daughter's murder by Victor Martinez-Hernandez, a different Salvadoran illegal immigrant who was convicted just two days prior on April 14, 2025. “He didn’t even acknowledge — or barely acknowledged my daughter and the brutal death that she endured, leaving her five children without a mother.”
Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five, was murdered while jogging on the Ma and Pa Heritage Trail in Bel Air, Maryland, in August 2023. Her body was discovered in a culvert, and the details surrounding her death shocked the community and sparked a nationwide search for the suspect. Martinez-Hernandez was arrested in June 2024 after DNA evidence linked him to both the murder of Rachel Morin and a violent home invasion in Los Angeles.
Patty Morin's condemnation of Senator Van Hollen comes amid a backdrop of heightened sensitivity regarding immigration policies, particularly in the wake of her daughter's tragic death. The senator's focus on Garcia, who was deported in March 2025, has raised eyebrows, especially since the Trump administration had previously admitted that Garcia was mistakenly identified as a Venezuelan criminal. This error led to a Democrat-led push to return him to the U.S., which has now become a contentious issue for many.
“It’s infuriating to think that my tax money is being used to fly him to El Salvador to bring back someone who isn’t even an American citizen,” Patty Morin stated. Her words resonate with many who feel that the priorities of some politicians are misplaced, especially when it comes to the safety and well-being of American citizens.
Victor Martinez-Hernandez’s conviction was a pivotal moment for the Morin family, who have been vocal about the impact of their loss. In a trial that lasted nine days, the jury deliberated for less than an hour before finding him guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree rape, and kidnapping. The evidence presented during the trial was overwhelming, with DNA linking him to both the crime scene and a previous assault.
President Donald Trump reacted to the conviction on his Truth Social platform, stating, “Moments ago, the illegal criminal, who was allowed into our country by Crooked Joe Biden, was convicted of the heinous murder of Rachel Morin.” Trump’s comments underscore the political ramifications of the case, which has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration policy. He emphasized the need to protect citizens from individuals like Martinez-Hernandez, who he claims should never have been allowed to enter the U.S.
In the wake of the conviction, Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler expressed his belief that Martinez-Hernandez deserved the death penalty, a sentiment that reflects the community’s desire for justice. However, Maryland has outlawed capital punishment, leaving many to question the effectiveness of the current legal framework in dealing with such heinous crimes.
Patty Morin has not only mourned the loss of her daughter but has also been critical of President Biden’s immigration policies, which she believes have contributed to the tragic circumstances surrounding her daughter's death. “The victims are those that are being killed but also their loved ones that they’ve left behind. It’s devastating to the community,” she stated, voicing a sentiment shared by many families affected by violent crime.
As the Morin family continues to seek justice and healing, the case remains in the public eye, drawing attention to the broader implications of immigration policy and public safety. The story of Rachel Morin serves as a stark reminder of the personal tragedies that can arise from systemic failures.
Meanwhile, Senator Van Hollen’s trip to El Salvador has been met with criticism from various quarters, with many questioning his priorities and commitment to his constituents. Critics argue that his focus on Garcia distracts from the pressing issues faced by families like the Morins, who are grappling with the aftermath of violent crime.
In a society where the intersection of crime and immigration continues to provoke heated debate, the Morin family’s story highlights the urgent need for a balanced approach that prioritizes the safety of citizens while addressing the complexities of immigration reform. As the nation grapples with these issues, the voices of those affected by violence, like Patty Morin, must be heard and considered.
As the Morin family navigates their grief and advocates for justice, they remain a poignant example of the human impact behind the statistics and political rhetoric surrounding crime and immigration. The tragic loss of Rachel Morin is not just a story of violence; it is a reminder of the lives affected by such acts and the ongoing struggle for justice in a complex world.
