Rachel Morin’s boyfriend pleads innocent after mother-of-five’s body found on Maryland trail

A murdered woman’s boyfriend has pleaded innocent after her body was found on a footpath – as he admitted he had a criminal history but claimed he had ‘changed’ his ways.

Rachel Morin, 37, a mom of five, disappeared around 6 p.m. Saturday leaving her home to hike the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, Maryland.

Richard Tobin, her new boyfriend, took to social media to claim he would ‘never do anything to her’ after the police update.

He has not been charged with anything and is not a suspect in the case.

Police confirmed a homicide investigation had been opened – despite the fact that a medical examiner had not officially confirmed the body was Morin’s – based on what officers “physically observed on the places”.

Without detailing what was discovered, Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said the scene where the deceased woman’s body was found was “unfortunately” consistent with a murder.

Rachel and her new boyfriend Richard Tobin. Tobin, her boyfriend, wrote in an update under their relationship status: “I love Rachel, I would never do anything to her, leave me and the family crying”

Tobin wrote under their recent relationship status update, “I love Rachel, I would never do anything to her, leave me and the family crying.

‘Yes I have a past but I also have 15 months clean and I have changed as a person. Please.’

The couple only started dating on August 1, according to their joint social media post.

Tobin, 27, is the person who called the police to report her missing on Saturday night.

He alluded to his lengthy rap sheet – which includes two arrests for second-degree felony assault, breach of restraining orders, drug possession and malicious destruction of property.

Tobin also has a number of traffic violations, hit and run, resisting arrest, disorderly intoxication and driving marks on his record, documents show.

His most recent recorded offense – second-degree assault – occurred on March 14, 2020. The outcome has yet to be determined.

The first of his 26 arrests was for a DUI in Pennsylvania on March 9, 2016, to which he pleaded guilty.

In an update to their statement on her disappearance, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office said on Sunday: ‘At approximately 1:07 p.m. a woman was found deceased off the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air.

“The identity of the victim, as well as the cause and manner of death are still under investigation.

“We strongly believe this is the body of Rachel Morin. But that final decision is up to the medical examiner and it hasn’t happened yet.

They said there were still no suspects in his death.

“Fortunately we don’t have too many violent crimes in Harford County, but when we do I prefer when I can stand here and tell you the suspect has been arrested or it’s about a targeted crime.

I can’t tell you that’s the case.

Tobin pleaded innocent on Facebook, saying he would do nothing to harm Rachel

Days before her disappearance and death, Rachel shared snaps of her and her new boyfriend Richard

Morin was described by police as five-foot-two, weighing 107 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes.

“I’m not going to go into what they physically observed at the scene. But the investigators unfortunately believe that it is a case of homicide.

Days before her disappearance and death, Rachel shared snaps of her and her new boyfriend Richard.

She wrote, along with two smiley images: “I only started taking pictures a few weeks ago…but these are some of my favorites. From the beach to the mountains.’

Richard Tobin has been contacted by DailyMail.com for comment.

Morin was described by police as five feet, two inches tall, 107 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes.

She was last seen wearing a blue or black tank top, black sports bra, black spandex shorts and gray sneakers.

His car was also at the Williams Street entrance to the trail.

The couple only started dating on August 1, according to social media

Police said a homicide investigation had been opened – despite the fact that a medical examiner had not confirmed the body was Morin’s – based on what officers “physically observed on the places”.

Tobin, Rachel’s boyfriend, is the person who called the police to report her missing on Saturday night

On a GoFundMe page, her sister Rebekah said her death was “not accidental” and that she “did not go there of her own free will”.

She wrote: ‘It is with devastating sadness and broken hearts that our family has been struck by yet another heartbreak.

‘My sister, Rachel Morin disappeared on Saturday August 5, 2023 around 6 p.m. Within 24 hours, his 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 still have to do another gofundme to help my mother, Patty Morin with the funeral expenses.

“There was no life insurance in place.

“It was not an accidental death, and she did not go there of her own free will and she deserves a funeral worthy of her beauty.

“If there are any funds left, they will go towards things that her 5 children might need. Please share, donate, comment and continue.

“Once we have made the arrangements, I will update the service dates and times. If you would like to donate directly, please message me on Facebook.

Tributes poured in for the beloved mother.

One person wrote: “I just saw Rachel a few days ago. I have known her and her daughters for several years. She has always been nice to me.

“I wish I could do more, but again, I wish that never happened.” Condolences to family and friends and especially his children. Rest in peace Rachel.

Another said: “I am so sorry for the loss of his family. I am thinking of all his loved ones, and the children in particular.

A third added: ‘We knew Rachel and her children well, and we will definitely miss them.