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NC Indicts Fugitive Marine

Prosecutor won't seek death penalty if Laurean found in native Mexico

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 24, 2008 2:30 PM CST

(Newser) – The fugitive wanted for the death of pregnant Marine Maria Lauterbach was indicted today by a North Carolina grand jury, CNN reports. In addition to first-degree murder, fellow Marine Cesar Laurean was indicted on charges of ATM card theft, fraud, and robbery. A second autopsy’s preliminary findings suggest that Lauterbach’s child was unborn at the time of death.

The North Carolina prosecutor said he would not seek the death penalty against Laurean if he is found in his native Mexico, where he's believed to have fled; Mexico will not extradite suspects facing capital punishment in the US. He could face a second murder charge if tests show the baby took a breath, thus establishing life.

In this undated photo released by the Onslow (N.C.) County Sheriff's office, Marine Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach is seen in this U.S. Marine Corps photo. The key suspect in the brutal slaying of the 20-year-old... (Associated Press)

This image provided by the Onslow County Sheriff%u2019s Office in Jacksonville, N.C. on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, shows Cesar Laurean. Authorities are searching for Cpl. Laurean in connection with the death... (Associated Press)

This undated image provided by the Onslow County Sheriff%u2019s Office in Jacksonville, N.C. on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, shows Cesar Laurean. (AP Photo/Onslow County Sheriff's Office) (Associated Press)

This photo provided by the U.S. Marine Corps, shows Cpl. Cesar Armando Laurean. Laurean was indicted today by grand jury in connection with the slaying of a pregnant marine. (AP Photo/ U.S. Marine Corps) (Associated Press)

This photo made by a camera in an ATM in Jacksonville, N.C. on Dec. 24, 2007, and provided Friday, Jan. 18, 2008 by America's Most Wanted, shows a man that Onslow County Sheriff's Office believe to be... (Associated Press)

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Fugitive Marine Captured in Mexico

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(NEWSER) - The FBI says it has arrested a fugitive Marine sought in the murder of a pregnant fellow Marine in North Carolina, the AP reports. Authorities say they arrested Cpl. Cesar Laurean in Mexico, where he fled in January. He is charged with killing Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach, whose burned remains, and those of her fetus, were found in his back yard. More»

Cousin Spots Wanted Marine in Mexico

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(NEWSER) - A Marine wanted for murder was spotted by his cousin near Guadalajara, Mexico, a week ago, CNN reports. Cpl. Cesar Laurean visited his cousin's liquor store and said he was "just passing by." The cousin says he didn't know about Laurean's legal troubles. Meanwhile, a North Carolina district attorney pressing for extradition had to agree to forgo the death penalty in accordance with Mexican law. More»

Wanted Marine May Be in Mexico: FBI

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(NEWSER) - The Marine charged in North Carolina with the murder of a pregnant colleague might have fled to his native Mexico, the FBI said today. US officials have teamed with Mexican authorities to catch Cpl. Cesar Laurean, who wrote a letter to wife claiming he buried Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach’s body after she committed suicide in their home, the AP reports. More»

Pregnant Marine Didn't Think She Was in Danger

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(NEWSER) - A pregnant Marine whose body was discovered in the back yard of Cesar Armando Laurean told prosecutors in November that she no longer thought Laurean was the father, Marine officials say. Maria Lauterbach alleged that Laurean raped her in March and April, but doctors estimated the 20-year-old’s conception date was May 14, the AP reports. More»

Murdered Marine's ATM Card Surfaces

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(NEWSER) - Police recovered Maria Lauterbach's ATM card in a Durham, NC, bus station today and said her accused killer's truck was sighted in the area, CNN reports. The FBI offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Cesar Laurean, who allegedly murdered his fellow Marine last month. Lauterbach, 20, was pregnant with a child she said was Laurean's. More»

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NC Indicts Fugitive Marine

Prosecutor won't seek death penalty if Laurean found in native Mexico

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Fugitive Marine Captured in Mexico

He's charged in the murder of pregnant fellow Marine in NC

Cousin Spots Wanted Marine in Mexico

DA seeks extradition, must forgo death penalty to gain cooperation

Wanted Marine May Be in Mexico: FBI

Laurean wrote wife that pregnant colleague committed suicide

Pregnant Marine Didn't Think She Was in Danger

Told prosecutors she no longer thought Laurean was the father

Murdered Marine's ATM Card Surfaces

Suspect's truck sighted in NC; FBI offers $25K for information

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NC Indicts Fugitive Marine

Prosecutor won't seek death penalty if Laurean found in native Mexico

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Mexico • North Carolina • capital punishment • fugitive • Maria Lauterbach • Cesar Armando Laurean • Marine • Camp Lejeune • Cesar Laurean

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Fugitive Marine Captured in Mexico

He's charged in the murder of pregnant fellow Marine in NC

Cousin Spots Wanted Marine in Mexico

DA seeks extradition, must forgo death penalty to gain cooperation

Wanted Marine May Be in Mexico: FBI

Laurean wrote wife that pregnant colleague committed suicide

Pregnant Marine Didn't Think She Was in Danger

Told prosecutors she no longer thought Laurean was the father

Murdered Marine's ATM Card Surfaces

Suspect's truck sighted in NC; FBI offers $25K for information

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