JACKSONVILLE, N.C., April 11 (UPI) -- U.S. authorities said they were awaiting extradition to bring back U.S. Marine Cpl. Cesar Laurean, the main suspect in the killing of a pregnant Marine.
Laurean, captured in Mexico Thursday, was indicted in North Carolina on a variety of charges in the killing of Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach, whose charred body, along with her fetus, was found beneath a fire pit in Laurean's back yard in January. Lauterbach, who had accused Laurean of rape, was last seen near Camp Lejeune, N.C., in December.
Lauren was indicted on charges of murder, ATM card theft, attempted card theft, fraud and robbery with a dangerous weapon.
Mexican authorities arrested Laurean in San Juan Vina after he approached a roadblock set up by the local anti-kidnapping task force, Mexican officials said. If Laurean chooses to fight extradition, it could take two years to return him to North Carolina, said Dewey Hudson, district attorney for Onslow County, N.C., CNN reported.
"I'm very happy he was caught today in Mexico, but I'm disappointed we didn't catch him in America," Hudson said.
Mexico's extradition policy prohibits U.S. authorities from seeking the death penalty against fugitives who are turned over by Mexican authorities.
