BEL AIR, Md. — Monday capped off a two-year road to justice for the family of Rachel Morin.
The man convicted of murdering the Bel Air mother of five finally learned his fate.
Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez was given two consecutive life sentences, plus 40 years, without the chance for parole.
Morin's death helped reignite a nationwide debate on illegal immigration, a center-piece of President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign.
Hernandez, a native of El Salvador, was illegally in the country when he raped and murdered the 37-year-old along the Ma & Pa Trail in August of 2023.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed he'd been expelled from the country on three prior occasions before the tragic killing.
Rachel Morin's family reacts to the sentencing of her killer, Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez
Following a nine-day trial, a Harford County jury in April convicted Hernandez of 1st degree premeditated murder and rape, along with one count of 3rd degree sexual offense and kidnapping.
His defense team tried getting the trial moved to another jurisdiction, citing concerns over public vilification, but a judge denied the motion.
On sentencing day, Hernandez's lawyers told a judge their client is a family man that was working to help his parents back home.
They also denied reports of Hernandez being in a gang, claiming he's shown interest in education and rehabilitation.
MORE: How advanced DNA technology led police to suspect in Rachel Morin murder
WMAR-2 News reporter Blair Sabol was in the court room Monday, describing Hernandez's demeanor as "stoic," showing barely any emotion to powerful and emotional testimony presented during the hearing.
Worth a mention— some in the courtroom have seen Martinez- Hernandez wipe his eyes (maybe once or twice) during Patty’s testimony. I have not personally witnessed this, and would say overall he has shown no emotion.
— Blair Sabol TV (@BlairSabolTV) August 11, 2025
Prosecutors, meanwhile, spent their time painting Hernandez as a liar, whose yet to acknowledge his actions.
They mentioned a psyche evaluation finding that Hernandez would likely re-offend if freed due to his cold, dismissive demeanor about the case.
State's Attorney Allison Healey said Hernandez even laughed and joked during an evaluation earlier this summer.
Morin's brother, Michael, spoke before the court saying he forgives Hernandez because "God sees all, and forgives even the worst of sinners."
Healey said she expects Hernandez to appeal his sentence, but expressed confidence the punishment would stick.
When asked whether Hernandez will ultimately be deported, Healey was doubtful because it's likely he will spend life in Maryland prison.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem issued a blistering statement after sentencing, criticizing former President Joe Biden's Administration for its immigration policies.
"This criminal illegal alien should have never been in our country in the first place," said Noem. "Rachel should still be here watching her 5 children grow up. God bless Rachel and her family.”
The Secretary, in her statement, highlighted the reopening of DHS' Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office, for those victimized by crime "that has a nexus to immigration."
"The Biden Administration shuttered the office, leaving victims and their families without access to key resources and support services," said Noem.
