The Murder of Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach

On Dec. 19, 2007, Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach, a Marine stationed at Camp Lejuene, North Carolina, was reported missing by her stepmother who had not heard from her since Dec. 14. The 20-year-old Lauterbach was eight months pregnant and had accused a fellow Marine with whom she worked of raping her.

Almost a month after she disappeared, the remains of Lauterbach and her unborn child were found buried in a burn pit in the backyard of Marine Cpl. Cesar Armando Lauren, 21, the Marine she had accused of raping her.

Latest Developments

Intern Tries to Sell Lauterbach Files
Aug. 15, 2008
An intern working in a North Carolina district attorney's office has been arrested for trying to sell confidential files related to the murder of pregnant Marine Maria Lauterbach for an "astronomical" fee. Robert Paul Sharpe, a former Marine himself, was charged with embezzlement and misdemeanor larceny for taking the files.

Previous Developments

Fugitive Marine's Online Activity Lead to Arrest
May 29, 2008
During his months as a fugitive from justice in Mexico, a Marine charged with killing eight-month pregnant Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach was in almost constant contact with his wife and family over the Internet. Authorities said his online activity eventually lead to Cpl. Cesar Laurean's arrest in Tacambaro, Mexico.

Fugitive Marine Cesar Laurean Arrested in Mexico
April 11, 2008
A fugitive U.S. Marine wanted for the murder of another pregnant Marine has been arrested in Mexico after a three-month manhunt. Marine Cpl. Cesar Laurean was arrested by Mexican police and FBI agents for the death of eight-months-pregnant Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach, who disappeared Dec. 15, 2007.

Massive Manhunt Launched for Marine Suspect
Jan. 14, 2008
A $25,000 reward has been offered and a nationwide manhunt has been launched for U.S. Marine Cpl. Cesar Armando Laurean who is wanted in connection with the death of 20-year-old pregnant Marine Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach. Authorities report they have talked with Cpl. Laurean's family, but they still have not located the 21-year-old fugitive.

Missing Pregnant Marine Is Dead
Jan. 11, 2008
A 20-year-old pregnant Marine who claimed she was raped by another Marine and who has been missing since December 14, was killed and buried in a shallow grave, according to Onslow County Sheriff Ed Brown. Police are searching for the man accused of her rape as a suspect in her death.