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
NC Indicts Fugitive Marine
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 pregnant Marine was spotted in Louisiana and could be headed into Texas, authorities said...   (Associated Press)

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. (More Cesar Laurean stories.)

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