BEL AIR, Md. — Friday was a big day in court for the family of Rachel Morin.
A judge considered what evidence could be used at trial against her alleged killer Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez.
Morin's family attorney, Randolph Rice, said Hernandez's lawyers argued for a change of venue, citing national attention the case has attracted.
After hearing the evidence, a judge denied the motion.
"Despite the international media attention and political discussions around the case, investigative details have not been publicly released in a way that would compromise jury impartiality," ruled judge Yolanda Curtin.
Hernandez was allegedly in the country illegally from El Salvador, when prosecutors say he raped and murdered the mother of five along the Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Hernandez was expelled from the country on three prior occasions.
Morin's death helped reignite a nationwide immigration debate, highlighted by President Donald Trump's campaign.
Trump called Morin's family after Hernandez was captured last June in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Morin's family later spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention while Trump looked on from the audience.
Hernandez's defense team claims he's "been the subject of nationwide public hatred and vilification, notwithstanding that no trial has yet occurred.”
They've also demanded access to analyze DNA records investigators used to capture Hernandez. Curtin has yet to rule on that motion.
Hernandez is currently scheduled to go on trial April 1.
