Marine Accused of Killing Pregnant Colleague Extradited to United States

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Marine who fled to Mexico after he was charged with killing a pregnant colleague in North Carolina returned Friday to the U.S.

Cpl. Cesar Laurean, 22, was extradited to face a murder charge in the death of Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach, 20, of Vandalia, Ohio, said FBI spokeswoman Amy Thoreson.

Onslow County District Attorney Dewey Hudson said he expected Laurean to arrive at the local jail Friday night and appear in court Monday morning.

Thoreson said she wasn't sure where Laurean entered the United States because several agencies were involved and plans changed several times during the day.

"He's back in the United States," Thoreson said. "Our goal is to get him all the way back to Onslow County to local authorities."

Someone arrested on a felony charge must have a first-appearance hearing within 96 hours, Hudson said.

Laurean was charged with first-degree murder in January 2008, after Lauterbach's charred remains were found buried in his backyard in Jacksonville. She was eight months pregnant.

Laurean and Lauterbach worked together at nearby Camp Lejeune. Mexican authorities captured Laurean just over a year ago in the small town of Tacambaro, Mexico.

Defense attorney Dick McNeil said he hasn't been contracted by federal officials and has heard from Laurean's family but not Laurean. McNeil said he expects his client to plead not guilty.

Hudson agreed not to seek the death penalty so Mexico would consider returning Laurean.

McNeil said when Laurean is in Onslow County, he can seek evidence from prosecutors and begin preparing a defense.

Lejeune spokesman Maj. Cliff Gilmore said the military intends to expel Laurean when he returns.