When the news broke about Rachel Morin back in August 2023, the headlines were—rightfully—terrifying. A 37-year-old woman goes for a jog on a popular trail in Bel Air, Maryland, and never comes home. It’s the kind of story that makes you double-check your locks and look over your shoulder on your morning run. But behind the gruesome details of the court case and the political firestorms over border security, there’s a much quieter, more painful story: the five kids she left behind.
People often search for the Rachel Morin children ages because it’s hard to wrap your head around that kind of loss. We’re talking about five lives permanently altered before they even really started.
The Reality of the Rachel Morin Children Ages
When Rachel was killed, she wasn't just a "fitness enthusiast" or a "jogger." She was a mother of five. Honestly, the range of her kids' ages is what makes this so gut-wrenching. They weren't all little, but they weren't all grown up either. They were right in that sweet spot where they still needed her for basically everything.
At the time of her death and the subsequent legal battles, the Rachel Morin children ages spanned from just 8 years old to 18 years old.
By the time the trial of Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez wrapped up in 2025, those ages had shifted to roughly 9 to 19. Her oldest daughter, Faye McMahon, had to step into a spotlight no teenager should ever have to touch. Then there's Violet Custer, who was 14 at the time of the trial. Imagine being 14 and sitting in a courtroom, testifying about your mother’s final hours. It’s heavy.
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The other three children, whose names have mostly been kept out of the harshest headlines to protect their privacy, were between 9 and 15 during the sentencing phase in late 2025. One of them told the court, "Now I have to spend more time without you than I did with you." If that doesn't break your heart, I don't know what will.
Life After the Ma & Pa Trail
You’ve probably seen the updates about the sentencing. Martinez-Hernandez got life without parole, plus another life sentence, plus 40 years. It was the maximum. The judge basically said there was no hope for him. But for the kids, "justice" is a weird word. It doesn't bring back the woman who owned a cleaning business and spent her weekends trying to give them a normal life.
There was also some drama you might not have heard about regarding a GoFundMe.
Money is usually the last thing people want to talk about in tragedies, but it became a real issue for the family. A lawsuit was actually filed on behalf of the children against their grandmother, Patty Morin, and their aunt. The kids’ guardians claimed that about $55,000 intended for the children’s future wasn't being handed over.
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Kinda messy, right?
Fortunately, by September 2025, they reached a confidential settlement. It’s a relief because these kids have already been through a literal nightmare. They don't need a public legal battle with their own relatives on top of everything else.
Why the Specific Ages Matter for E-E-A-T
When we look at the Rachel Morin children ages, it helps us understand the "victim impact" in a way that dry court documents can't.
- The 18/19-year-old: Dealing with the transition to adulthood while acting as a spokesperson for her siblings.
- The 14/15-year-old: Navigating high school through the lens of national trauma.
- The younger three: Growing up with a version of their mother that is mostly made of photos and stories.
Legal experts and victim advocates often point out that children in this age range experience "complicated grief." They are old enough to understand the brutality of what happened—especially since this case involved such graphic evidence—but young enough to still need that primary maternal bond.
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What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of folks think the family just "moved on" after the arrest. They didn't. Matt McMahon, the father of Rachel's oldest daughter, has been incredibly vocal about the healing process. He's the one who encouraged people to wear pink and green—Rachel’s favorite colors—during the trial.
It wasn't just about the murder; it was about reclaiming Rachel’s identity as a mom. She wasn't a political talking point. She was a person who was deeply loved by five very different kids.
Actionable Insights for Supporting Families in Trauma
If you’re following this story because you want to know how to help or how to process similar tragedies in your own community, here’s the reality:
- Privacy is Paramount: While we search for details like the Rachel Morin children ages, remember that these are real minors. If you're sharing stories on social media, focus on the legacy of the victim rather than speculating on the kids' current lives.
- Trusts Matter: If you ever donate to a tragedy, look for "Trust" accounts rather than personal bank accounts. The legal battle in the Morin case shows how easily intentions can get blurred when there isn't a formal structure in place.
- Advocate for Trail Safety: Many communities have started "Rachel’s Trails" initiatives, pushing for better lighting and emergency call boxes. This is a practical way to honor her memory.
The story of Rachel Morin’s children is still being written. They are growing up in Harford County, trying to find a new normal. The best thing the public can do is remember that behind the "true crime" fascination are five kids who just want their mom back.
Check the Harford County Sheriff’s Office website or official victim support portals if you want to find verified ways to contribute to local safety programs or established trusts for families of violent crimes. Supporting these structures ensures that the next family facing this has the resources they need without the legal headaches.