Salvadoran gang member Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez was arrested in Tulsa for the 2023 rape and murder of Maryland mother Rachel Morin, following a months-long investigation aided by the FBI's genetic genealogy team.

Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, implicated in various violent crimes across multiple locations, including the brutal deaths in both El Salvador and the US, was caught after a lengthy investigation. His capture in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was made possible through advanced DNA tracing methods used by the FBI. Authorities are now scrutinizing his past movements within the US, suspecting more victims, while Morin's family commend the relentless efforts of law enforcement in bringing him to justice.

Martinez-Hernandez was [linked to the crime scene through DNA evidence](https://nypost.com/2024/06/17/us-news/rachel-morins-kin-convinced-her-killer-has-more-victims-in-the-us-because-of-gaps-in-time/) that had previously gone unmatched in international databases. The breakthrough came when the [FBI’s genetic genealogy team](https://nypost.com/2024/06/17/us-news/rachel-morins-kin-convinced-her-killer-has-more-victims-in-the-us-because-of-gaps-in-time/) employed cutting-edge technology to connect the DNA from the crime scene to Martinez-Hernandez's family members. This innovative approach pinpoints potential suspects by tracing their ancestry and connecting familial DNA profiles.

In addition to the [charges related to Rachel Morin’s murder](https://nypost.com/2024/06/17/us-news/rachel-morins-kin-convinced-her-killer-has-more-victims-in-the-us-because-of-gaps-in-time/), Martinez-Hernandez has a long and violent rap sheet. He is associated with the notorious MS-13 gang, known for its ruthless tactics. His criminal history reveals a series of offenses, from drug trafficking to multiple homicides, painting a grim picture of his life of crime.

Authorities believe [Martinez-Hernandez may be responsible](https://nypost.com/2024/06/17/us-news/rachel-morins-kin-convinced-her-killer-has-more-victims-in-the-us-because-of-gaps-in-time/) for [other unsolved crimes](https://nypost.com/2024/06/17/us-news/rachel-morins-kin-convinced-her-killer-has-more-victims-in-the-us-because-of-gaps-in-time/), both in the United States and [across the border in El Salvador](https://nypost.com/2024/06/17/us-news/rachel-morins-kin-convinced-her-killer-has-more-victims-in-the-us-because-of-gaps-in-time/). Law enforcement agencies are now reopening cold cases to determine if there may be further connections. Rodney Jones, the chief investigator, noted, 'This arrest is just the beginning. There's a web of violence that we believe he’s woven across several states and even countries.'

The investigation into Martinez-Hernandez’s whereabouts over the past few years has revealed [multiple illegal border crossings](https://nypost.com/2024/06/17/us-news/rachel-morins-accused-killer-crossed-the-border-illegally-at-least-three-times-in-two-months/). Records indicate he frequently moved between the U.S. and El Salvador, avoiding detection through forged documents and covert travel routes. His ability to evade authorities for so long raises questions about gaps in border security and immigration control.

[Rachel Morin’s family expressed both relief and sorrow](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/17/us/rachel-morin-murder-suspect-arrest/index.html) at the news of the arrest. ['We’re grateful to the FBI](https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/17/us/rachel-morin-murder-suspect-arrest/index.html) and the Tulsa police for their relentless pursuit of justice for Rachel,' said Mary Morin, Rachel's mother. 'Our hearts are broken, but knowing this man won't be able to hurt anyone else brings us a bit of peace.' The family plans to hold a remembrance service for Rachel, celebrating her life and advocating for victims of violent crime.

Martinez-Hernandez currently [awaits extradition to Maryland](https://nypost.com/2024/06/17/us-news/rachel-morin-murder-suspect-went-on-months-long-terror-spree/), where he will face charges for [Rachel Morin’s murder](https://nypost.com/2024/06/17/us-news/rachel-morins-kin-convinced-her-killer-has-more-victims-in-the-us-because-of-gaps-in-time/). Prosecutors are expected to push for the maximum sentence, given the barbarity of the crime and his [extensive criminal history](https://nypost.com/2024/06/17/us-news/rachel-morins-kin-convinced-her-killer-has-more-victims-in-the-us-because-of-gaps-in-time/). Legal experts predict a complex trial, given the international elements and the [sophisticated methods used to capture him](https://nypost.com/2024/06/17/us-news/rachel-morins-kin-convinced-her-killer-has-more-victims-in-the-us-because-of-gaps-in-time/).

As more details emerge, the community in Maryland and beyond remains on edge, reflecting on the broader implications of this arrest. The case underscores the growing [importance of genetic genealogy](https://nypost.com/2024/06/17/us-news/rachel-morins-kin-convinced-her-killer-has-more-victims-in-the-us-because-of-gaps-in-time/) in modern law enforcement and the continuous battle against transnational crime. Law enforcement agencies emphasize that public cooperation and advancements in technology are crucial in bringing justice to victims and preventing future atrocities.