N.C. judge issues gag order in murder case

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina judge has signed a gag order in the case of a 22-year-old Marine accused of killing a pregnant colleague and fleeing to Mexico.

The order released Thursday was signed by Onslow County Superior Court Judge Charles Henry.

It tells prosecutors, law enforcement officials and Laurean’s defense attorney not to release any information to the news media or the public that could prejudice the proceedings in the case.

It wasn’t immediately when Henry filed or signed the order.

Cpl. Cesar Laurean fled to Mexico shortly before the charred remains of 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach were found buried in his backyard in Jacksonville in January 2008.

He was arrested in Mexico and was extradited to North Carolina this month to face a first-degree murder charge.

Lauterbach was from Vandalia, Ohio.