Marine Didn't Feel Unsafe Around Suspect

Jan 16, 11:05 AM

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (AP) -- A 20-year-old pregnant Marine who disappeared in December told victims' advocates at Camp Lejeune that she didn't feel unsafe in the presence of the colleague now wanted in her death, Marine Corps officials said Tuesday.

Marine Cpl. Cesar Armando Laurean never violated the military protective order directing him to stay away from Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach, continued to report for work on time in the weeks after her disappearance and denied having any kind of sexual contact with her, said Col. Gary Sokoloski, the judge advocate general officer for the II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Authorities confirmed Tuesday that remains found over weekend in a fire pit in Laurean's backyard were those of Lauterbach and her child.