JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – A judge has denied bond for a Marine who fled to Mexico shortly before he was charged with killing a pregnant colleague in North Carolina.
Cpl. Cesar Laurean appeared Monday in Onslow County court, where Judge Paul A. Hardison asked whether he understood the charges. He replied, "yes, sir."
The 22-year-old was extradited from Mexico on Friday to face a first-degree murder charge.
Laurean fled in January 2008, shortly before the burned remains of 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach were found buried in his backyard in Jacksonville. Lauterbach, of Vandalia, Ohio, worked with Laurean at Camp Lejeune.
Laurean attorney Dick McNeil says he may try to get the trial moved to a different court because media coverage has been extensive.
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