Probe of Laurean rape investigation halted

[unhappycamper]

Probe of Laurean rape investigation halted
By Marlon A. Walker - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jan 30, 2009 6:31:08 EST

RALEIGH, N.C. — The military has delayed its investigation into how rape allegations were handled against a Camp Lejeune Marine now charged with murdering the pregnant accuser, Department of Defense officials said Jan. 29.

The decision was made after Onslow County authorities expressed concern the military’s probe could hinder their murder case against Cpl. Cesar Laurean, according to a statement from the Office of the Inspector General. Laurean fled to Mexico the day before investigators found the charred remains of Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach in his backyard last January. The 20-year-old from Vandalia, Ohio, had been eight months pregnant.

Onslow County District Attorney Dewey Hudson said his office learned of the military’s decision Thursday, but noted he didn’t have much to do with the decision. He said military officials asked whether proceeding with their investigation was the right thing to do.

“We advised them that we were concerned because (their investigation) could adversely impact the extradition and the criminal prosecution in this case,” Hudson said. “My job is to prosecute (Laurean) for the murder of Maria Lauterbach, and I don’t want to do anything that would harm the criminal investigation.”

Laurean, 22, is charged with first-degree murder in the December 2007 death of Lauterbach.


Rest of article at: http://navytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_marine_laurean_012909/%2e

[Sadie5]

1. So sad

I have been following this on the In session boards since it happened and begin to think that the Marine is off the hook and will never be brought back to face the music. In the meantime, his wife travels to Mexico to visit him, so he is not missing out on anything. This guy killed an unborn child and a fellow Marine and should, by now be rotting away in federal prison the rest of his life.