Press Release – For Immediate Release
Bel Air, Maryland – July 12, 2024 – A significant development in the Rachel Morin murder prosecution, the State’s Attorney for Harford County, Maryland, has officially filed a notice to the Defendant, stating their intent to seek a sentence of life without parole if the Defendant is convicted of first-degree murder or first-degree rape. Both crimes carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment in Maryland.
View a PDF version of STATE’S NOTICE OF INTENT TO SEEK LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE SENTENCE
The prosecution’s decision to pursue life without parole ensures that, if convicted, the Defendant will face the most severe penalty available under Maryland law. According to state regulations, the prosecution must provide such notice to the Defendant to pursue life without parole during sentencing.
Attorney Randolph Rice, representing the family of Rachel Morin, expressed his approval of the State’s Attorney’s decision. “The Morin family is relieved and pleased that the State is seeking life without parole for the Defendant. This ensures that the suspect responsible for Rachel’s tragic death will never have the opportunity to harm anyone ever again. We are grateful for the State’s commitment to securing justice for Rachel and ensuring public safety.”
Had the State not filed this notice and instead sought a regular life sentence for the murder conviction, the Defendant would have been eligible for parole after serving just 25 years. This potential for early release underscores the importance of the prosecution’s decision to seek life without parole, aiming to guarantee that the defendant will not have the opportunity to re-enter society.
The notice represents a monumental leap forward in the relentless pursuit of justice for Rachel Morin, underscoring the gravity and severity of the charges against the defendant.
The Defendant is facing six charges:
- Murder – First degree;
- Murder – Second degree;
- Rape – First degree;
- Rape – Second degree;
- Sex Offense – Third degree; and
- Kidnapping.
Note to editors: For inquiries, interviews, or additional information, contact Randolph Rice at rr@ricelawmd.com or call the office at (410) 583-6969.
Images and logos are available upon request.
