Illegal Immigrant From El Salvador Gets Life for Rape, Murder of Maryland Mother

Homeland Security chief says the crime should never have happened and calls for focus on victims.

A file image of Victor Martinez-Hernandez, who has been sentenced to life in prison without parole over the rape and death of Rachel Morin, who was the mother of five children. Courtesy of Harford County Sheriff's Office

An illegal immigrant from El Salvador was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Monday over the rape and murder of a 37-year-old Maryland mother.

Victor Martinez-Hernandez, 24, was found guilty in April over the rape and death of Rachel Morin, who was the mother of five children. Martinez-Hernandez had earlier entered the country illegally and was released in 2023. He later committed the crime in that same year.