Marine accused of murdering pregnant woman fighting to stay in Mexico

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – The attorney for a Marine accused of killing a pregnant colleague says his client is fighting extradition to the United States.

Dick McNeil says 21-year-old Cpl. Cesar Laurean has filed an extradition appeal in a Mexican court.

In September, North Carolina officials said a Mexican court approved returning Laurean to the U.S.

Laurean is charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of Marine Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach. The 20-year-old from Vandalia, Ohio, was eight months pregnant when she was killed late last year.

Her remains were found in Laurean's backyard near North Carolina's Camp Lejeune where both Marines served as clerks.

Laurean was arrested in Mexico in April.