Rachel Morin's boyfriend pleads his innocence after mother-of-five's body was found on Maryland trail

A murdered woman's boyfriend has pleaded his innocence after her body was found on a walking trail - as he admitted that he has a criminal background, but claimed he's 'changed' his ways.

Mom-of-five Rachel Morin, 37, disappeared on Saturday at around 6pm leaving her house to take a hike on the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, Maryland. 

Richard Tobin, her new boyfriend, took to social media to claim he'd 'never do anything to her' following the police update. 

He has not been accused of anything, nor is he a suspect in the case. 

Police confirmed a homicide investigation was launched - despite the fact a medical examiner had not formally confirmed the body was Morin's - based on what officers 'physically observed at the scene.'

Without detailing what was uncovered, Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said the scene where the deceased female body was found was 'sadly' in line with a murder. 

Rachel Morin, 37, was last seen on Saturday at around 6pm leaving her house to take a hike on the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, Maryland. A body was discovered near the 6.5-mile trail walking route

Rachel and her new boyfriend Richard Tobin. Tobin, her boyfriend, wrote in an update underneath their relationship status: 'I love Rachel, I would never do anything to her , let the family and I grieve'

Tobin wrote underneath their recent relationship status update: 'I love Rachel, I would never do anything to her, let the family and I grieve. 

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

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

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

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

Tobin also has a number of traffic offenses, a fugitive from justice offense, resisting arrest, and disorderly intoxication and conduct marks on his record, documents show. 

His most recent misdemeanour on record - second degree assault - occurred on March 14, 2020. An outcome has not yet been determined. 

The earliest 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, Harford County Sheriff's Office said on Sunday: 'At approximately 1:07 pm, a female was located deceased off of 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 firmly believe this is the body of Rachel Morin. But that final determination belongs with the medical examiner and that has not happened yet.'

They said that there is still no suspect in her death.  

'Thankfully we don't have too much violent crime in Harford County, but when we have one, I prefer when I can stand here and tell you that the suspect has been arrested or that it's a targeted crime.

'I can't tell you that is the case.

Tobin pled his innocence on Facebook, saying he would not to anything to harm Rachel

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

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

'I’m not going to go into what, physically, they observed at the scene. But investigators believe sadly that it’s a homicide case.' 

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

She wrote, along with two smily images: 'Only started taking pics few weeks ago.. but these are a few 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 being five feet, two inches tall, 107 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes. 

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

Her car was also located at the Williams Street entrance to the trail.  

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

Police said that a homicide investigation was launched - despite the fact a medical examiner had not confirmed the body was definitely Morin's - based on what officers 'physically observed at the scene'

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

On a GoFundMe page, her sister Rebekah said that her death was 'not accidental' and that she 'did not go willingly.'

She wrote: 'It is with devastating sadness and a broken heart that our family has been hit with yet another heartbreak. 

'My sister, Rachel Morin went missing on Saturday August 5 2023 around 6pm. In less then 24 hours her 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 have to make yet another gofundme to help my mother, Patty Morin with funeral costs. 

'There was no life insurance in place.

'This was not an accidentally death, and she did not go willingly and she deserves a funeral worthy of her her beauty.

'If there are any remaining funds they will go towards things her 5 children may need. Please share, donate, comment and keep this going.

'Once we have made the arrangements I will update with service dates and times. If you wish to donate directly please message me on Facebook.'

Tributes have flooded in for the much-loved mother.

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

'I wish I could do more, then again I wish this never happened. Condolences to family and friends and above all her children. Rest in peace Rachel.' 

Another said: 'I am so sorry for her family's loss. Thinking of all of her loved ones, and children especially.' 

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