Opening statements under way in ex-Marine’s trial

GOLDSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Opening statements have started in central North Carolina in the trial of a former Marine accused of killing a pregnant colleague in 2007.

Attorneys were outlining their cases Thursday in the trial of Cesar Laurean in Goldsboro after a jury of seven women, five men and three alternatives was seated.

Laurean is a former Marine at Camp Lejeune who is charged with killing 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach of Vandalia, Ohio. He is accused of burning her body in a firepit in the backyard of his home in 2007.

He has pleaded not guilty and faces life in prison if convicted.