Marine likely to be returned for trial

JACKSONVILLE, N.C., April 16 (UPI) -- The corporal charged with killing a pregnant female Marine is expected to be returned from Mexico soon for trial in North Carolina, a military spokesman said.

Marine Maj. Cliff Gilmore, a spokesman at Camp Lejeune, told CNN that Mexican authorities are expected to hand Cesar Laurean over soon, although he said he did not know exactly when. Laurean has been charged with the first-degree murder of Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach.

Lauterbach's body was found in a backyard fire pit at Laurean's home in early 2008. The 20-year-old woman was eight months pregnant.

Laurean, 22, fled to Mexico after he allegedly killed Lauterbach. He was arrested there in April 2008.

Both Laurean and Lauterbach were stationed at Camp Lejeune.