In the aftermath of the conviction of Victor Martinez-Hernandez for the rape and murder of Rachel Morin, former President Donald Trump criticized media coverage for emphasizing the perpetrator’s background over the victim’s life. Trump stated, “The Fake News should be focusing on the beautiful life and tragic death of this Maryland Mother, rather than the so-called ‘Maryland Father,’ who is actually an MS-13 Gang Member and Foreign Terrorist from El Salvador.”
Martinez-Hernandez, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador with alleged ties to the MS-13 gang, was found guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree rape, third-degree sexual offense, and kidnapping in the August 2023 attack on Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five, while she was jogging on the Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air, Maryland. The case has intensified debates over immigration policies and border security.
Trump has previously expressed condolences to Morin’s family, with her mother, Patty Morin, noting that his call brought comfort during a difficult time. The former president has used the case to highlight concerns about illegal immigration and its potential impact on American communities.
The conviction of Martinez-Hernandez has reignited discussions on the enforcement of immigration laws and the measures necessary to prevent similar tragedies.
