Patty Morin, Mother of Woman Killed by Alleged Illegal Immigrant, Speaks on Daughter’s Tragic Death

Patty Morin, mother of 37-year-old Rachel Morin, used the national platform to deliver a deeply emotional account of the crime that took her daughter’s life. Along with her grief, she condemned U.S. immigration policies, saying they allowed the suspect to remain in the country illegally.

“We need to protect our families, our borders, our children,” Patty said. “I don’t care about politics — well, I do — but I want to preserve life, and that’s the only reason why I have taken and spoken about Rachel all this time.”

According to CBS News, Rachel had gone for a jog on the Ma & Pa Trail in Harford County on August 5, 2023. The next day, investigators found her body in a drainage culvert about 150 feet from the trail.

Patty recalled how her daughter had planned to go grocery shopping with her children after the run but never made it home. She described how the man positioned himself before striking. “He waited for her to come closer,” Patty said of the suspect Victor Martinez-Hernandez. “He saw that there was nobody around. He attacked her.”

The autopsy, she explained, revealed the full extent of Rachel’s injuries — including multiple wounds to her head and a large area at the back of her skull that had been severely fractured. She said the damage resembled “the way that you would crush an eggshell in pieces.”

She also shared what the medical team told her about the injuries in Rachel’s neck. According to Patty, doctors said the force used during the assault caused serious internal damage. She described it as the result of “how strong and violent the grip was around her.”

Patty’s statement came two days after a jury convicted Victor Martinez-Hernandez of first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree rape, third-degree sex offense, and kidnapping.

His trial began in Maryland on April 4, and after less than an hour of deliberation, jurors returned a guilty verdict. He had been arrested by the Tulsa Police Department in June 2024.

In the aftermath of the April 14 verdict, Harford County State’s Attorney Alison Healey said the state would seek the maximum penalty: life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“While no verdict or sentence can ever bring Rachel back,” she said, “I am proud of the work that has been done to ensure that justice was served and that Victor Martinez-Hernandez will never again be a threat to another woman in his lifetime.”

Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said the case highlighted a breakdown in immigration enforcement. “It shouldn’t be political, but the failure here is the immigration system that allowed this person to enter our country illegally, and remain in our country and commit crimes in Los Angeles and here in Harford County,” he said.

He also criticized the state’s 2013 repeal of the death penalty, calling Rachel’s case an example of when it would have been appropriate.

From Capitol Hill, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen acknowledged the pain Rachel’s family continues to carry and commended the work of law enforcement in securing a conviction. While he noted that no verdict could undo the loss, he said the outcome offered a “measure of justice that they so deserve.”

He also called for bipartisan immigration reform, improved public safety, and stronger border enforcement, while emphasizing continued support for legal immigrant communities.

Before authorities arrested Victor, his criminal activity had already drawn attention in another state. He entered the United States illegally from El Salvador in 2023 and, according to law enforcement, had known ties to gangs.

Border Patrol agents apprehended him three times — once in Texas and twice in New Mexico — but released him each time. On March 26 of that year, he allegedly broke into a home in Los Angeles during the early morning hours and assaulted a woman and her child. Investigators later collected DNA evidence from the scene.

According to USA Today in August 2023 — the same month Rachel was found dead — Harford County Sheriff Colonel William Davis said DNA recovered from the LA crime scene matched Victor’s.

Back at the White House, Patty spoke directly about the pain she still carries. “If you’re a mother here in the room, can you imagine standing there, alive, and someone comes and puts their hands into your chest and rips out your heart? That’s what it feels like,” she said. “You can’t even describe the pain.”

Shortly after the briefing, the White House shared a photo on Instagram showing President Donald Trump seated at his desk, reaching out to console Patty Morin as she stood beside him holding a small object in her hands. The caption read, “Thank you, Patty Morin, for sharing Rachel Morin’s story today. ❤️”

While national leaders responded, Rachel’s close friends also continued to reflect on her life. Her friend Claudia Brown posted a tribute on Facebook, writing, “Rachel was such a devoted mother and her five kids meant the world to her.”

Claudia said Rachel had her first child at 19 and often spoke proudly of helping raise her younger brothers. She added that two of Rachel’s children would testify at the trial and asked others to pray for the family.

As a jury delivered a verdict in Rachel’s case, authorities on the West Coast brought charges in a separate case involving the fatal shooting of a company executive and allegations of terrorism.

As reported in December 2024, Luigi Mangione, 26, was formally indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on charges of murder “in furtherance of an act of terrorism” in the December 4 shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, igniting a storm of online reactions.

The indictment, filed on December 17, included 11 counts, such as first and second-degree murder, alongside weapons and forgery charges, according to court documents released Tuesday.

Prosecutors alleged that Luigi killed Brian “in furtherance of an act of terrorism,” which is legally defined as an action intended to intimidate or coerce the civilian population or influence government operations.

“This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. Bragg emphasized the deliberate nature of the attack, which occurred in a highly populated area, endangering countless bystanders.

“The shooting happened in one of the most bustling parts of our city, threatening the safety of local residents and tourists alike, and commuters and business people just starting out on their day,” Alvin continued.

Luigi, currently detained in Pennsylvania, has chosen not to contest his extradition to New York, according to his attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo.

His extradition hearing is scheduled for Thursday, where a Pennsylvania judge will determine the timeline for his return to New York to face these serious charges. If convicted, Luigi faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, Alvin’s office confirmed.

The New York Police Department’s intelligence report highlighted Luigi’s possible motivations. Despite a privileged upbringing as a high school valedictorian and Ivy League graduate, Luigi reportedly harbored resentment toward the health insurance industry, fueled by a perception of “corporate greed.”

The killing of Brian — a husband and father of two — has ignited discussions about public sentiment toward the healthcare sector. While Brian’s death highlights a nationwide frustration with corporate practices, it has simultaneously heightened concerns about safety for executives in similar industries.

The NYPD’s report warns of potential threats against other high-profile figures, citing online rhetoric that praises the attack.

Officials have condemned both the act itself and the public response it has generated. “This was a killing that was intended to evoke terror, and we’ve seen that reaction. This was not an ordinary killing. Not to suggest that any killing is ordinary, but this was extraordinary,” Alvin stated.

Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner, described the public reaction to the crime as alarming. “In the weeks since Thompson’s killing, officials have seen a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder,” she said. Social media platforms, she noted, have been flooded with messages praising the crime.

“It was a cold and calculated crime that stole a life and put New Yorkers at risk,” Jessica added. “We don’t celebrate murders and we don’t lionize the killing of anyone, and any attempt to rationalize this is vile, reckless, and offensive to our deeply held principles of justice.”

Following Luigi Mangione’s indictment, reactions across social media platforms have been swift and divided. On Facebook, users expressed a wide range of opinions, from outright skepticism about Luigi’s guilt to criticism of the charges.

One user wrote, “I’m not convinced it’s him yet. I hope they give him a fair trial. A lot of evidence doesn’t seem to add up.” Another user was more resolute in their opinion, simply stating, “He’s being set up.” Conversely, a third user supported the charges, “As he should be [sic].”

Expressions of approval were also present, with one user calling the indictment “Outstanding!” However, not everyone agreed with the terrorism charge. A user argued, “That’s a misuse of that charge, specifically to scare those that support him.”

Another added, “What he allegedly did [wasn’t] terrorism. They are just terrified of the public response. Any business model that relies on the literal pain, suffering, financial ruin and actual death of poor people is morally reprehensible and should not exist.”

On Instagram, the discourse remained similarly polarized, with many questioning the application of terrorism charges. One user commented, “I don’t agree with what he did BUT terrorism seems like a stretch.”

Another critiqued the inconsistency in how terrorism charges are applied, “Mhhh no I disagree. This devision seems to be upgraded by influence and power. Why all the other shooter killing kids in schools are not indicted on terrorism then [sic]?”

A third user echoed concerns about the legal framing of the charges, “He shot 1 person in an empty street, but terrorism? That’s a stretch. New York might as well charge everyone on social media with terrorism for our collective response.”

As public reactions to Luigi’s indictment remain divided, new details about his background and the ongoing investigation are coming to light. R.J. Martin, Luigi’s former roommate, expressed disbelief at the allegations, describing the young man as anything but violent.

R.J. told ABC News, “[Luigi] was absolutely not a violent person as far as I could tell.” Reflecting on Luigi’s arrest, he added, “It’s unimaginable.”

Despite R.J.’s testimony, law enforcement believes Luigi harbored a deep resentment toward the health insurance industry. Investigators suspect he may have drawn ideological inspiration from Ted Kaczynski, the so-called “Unabomber,” whose crimes were motivated by an opposition to societal structures and technological advancements.

Police have not revealed evidence directly linking Luigi to such radical ideologies, but his apparent hostility toward corporate healthcare has emerged as a focal point of the investigation.

Luigi’s demeanor during his initial court appearances has also raised eyebrows. On December 10, as police escorted him into a Pennsylvania courthouse, he shouted to gathered reporters, “It is completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people,” before officers quickly subdued him and brought him inside.

While investigators piece together Luigi’s alleged motives, they have confirmed that neither he nor his parents had insurance policies through UnitedHealthcare.

Luigi was indicted nearly a week after his family shared their reaction for the first time since his arrest in Pennsylvania, releasing a statement through his cousin, Maryland Delegate Nino Mangione.

“Unfortunately, we cannot comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione. We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” the statement said.

They also conveyed sympathy to Thompson’s loved ones, acknowledging their loss. They urged the public to offer prayers for everyone impacted by the tragedy. “We are devastated by the news,” the family reiterated. Luigi’s family background adds another dimension to the story.

According to the New York Times, Luigi comes from a prominent and influential family in the Baltimore metropolitan area with deep roots in the real estate and business sectors. His grandparents, Nick Mangione Sr. and Mary C. Mangione, purchased and developed the Turf Valley Country Club in Ellicott City during the 1970s.

Over the years, the family expanded their ventures, acquiring Hayfields Country Club in Hunt Valley, Maryland, founding Lorien Health Services, a chain of nursing homes, and owning WCBM-AM, a politically conservative radio station.

Aaron Cranston, a former classmate of Luigi’s at the Gilman School in Baltimore, described him as a smart and ambitious student. Aaron expressed disbelief at the allegations, stating that Luigi’s background seemed inconsistent with such a crime.

Aaron also shared that earlier that year, Luigi’s family circulated a message seeking information on his whereabouts. They had reportedly not heard from him for several months following back surgery.

Authorities arrested Luigi at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9, after a customer recognized him from widely circulated photos during a multi-state manhunt, according to NBC News.

Shortly after his arrest, Luigi was arraigned in Pennsylvania on two felony charges: carrying a firearm without a license and forgery. He also faced three misdemeanor charges: tampering with records, possessing instruments of crime, and providing false identification to law enforcement.

Officers immediately identified Luigi as the person of interest after asking him to remove his mask. According to the police complaint, when questioned about whether he had recently been to New York, “the male became quiet and started to shake.”

Law enforcement reported that Luigi was in possession of a homemade firearm, or a “ghost gun,” along with multiple fake IDs and a handwritten document that allegedly provided insight into his motives.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny noted that the firearm, potentially made with a 3D printer, included a suppressor and had the capability of firing 9mm rounds.

Investigators also linked Luigi to the crime through a fraudulent ID found at a New York hostel, which matched the alias used by the suspected gunman. Clothing recovered during the arrest matched descriptions of what the shooter wore.

Luigi had no prior criminal record, but investigators are reviewing his online activity, which includes references to domestic terrorist Ted, known for his anti-establishment beliefs.

It remained unclear whether Brian’s name appeared in the handwritten document recovered from Luigi. “We don’t think that there’s any specific threats to other people mentioned in that document…But it does seem that he has some ill will toward corporate America,” the NYPD Chief of Detectives said.

Meanwhile, The Associated Press reported new details about Luigi’s handwritten document, shared by a law enforcement official who requested anonymity. “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document read.

The document also attempted to justify the act, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.”

Following the arrest, police released photos of Mangione in custody, and he was later transferred to the State Correctional Institution in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.