Manhunt for Marine who killed Maria Lauterbach

January 13, 2008

A nationwide manhunt is on for Marine corporal Cesar Armando Laurean after the remains of Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach and her unborn child were found in his North Carolina backyard.

"I do think this case is going to be a bizarre ending, and when I say bizarre, more than just a death and a burial."

JACKSONVILLE, N.C., Jan. 12 -- An arrest warrant was issued Saturday for a Marine corporal after the remains of an adult and fetus were found in his North Carolina backyard.

Investigators said the remains are almost certainly those of Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach and her unborn child, police said. She disappeared in December shortly before she was to testify against Cpl. Cesar Armando Laurean, who allegedly raped her.

Jacksonville, N.C., police discovered the remains Friday in a pit in Laurean's backyard, CNN reported. A nationwide search was on for Laurean while the excavation continued at his home.

Lauterbach's mother reported her missing in December.

Police found evidence of blood and violent activity inside Laurean's home, Onslow County District Attorney Dewey Hudson said Friday night.

Lauterbach, 20, of Vandalia, Ohio, disappeared from Camp Lejeune, N.C.

"I do think this case is going to be a bizarre ending, and when I say bizarre, more than just a death and a burial," Onslow County Sheriff Ed Brown told reporters.

Laurean, of Nevada, left Camp Lejeune driving a black Dodge pickup with North Carolina license plate TRR1522, police said.