The death of eight-month pregnant Marine Cpl. Maria Lauterbach by accused fellow Marine, Cpl. Cesar Laurean, has caused shock and disgust across the country.
Lauterbach was only 20-years-old when she met her early and brutal death at the hands of now-convicted Laurean.
Lauterbach was burned to death and her remains were found buried under the fire pit in Laurean’s back yard on Jan. 11.
Lauterbach had previously accused Laurean of rape.
I do not know what part of this story creates such an extreme shock factor. The victim’s young age certainly adds to the amount of tragedy in the situation; but it is the death of Lauterbach’s unborn child, whose life was just beginning, that undoubtedly brings disgust to the heinous crime of the spineless perpetrator. Who could possibly lack so much humanity and sense of morals that it leads them to kill a woman who is eight months pregnant?
A crime like this is upsetting and surprising no matter who is responsible for it, but the fact that a Marine corporal is accused may cause even more unsettlement. Marines are supposed to represent their country and be role models, not cold blooded killers.
Laurean faces charges of murder for the death of Lauterbach, but tests still have to be conducted to determine if he can be charged in the death of Lauterbach’s child.
It is being investigated if there are any traces of oxygen within the child’s lungs. Oxygen inside the lungs would indicate that the child had taken a breath and hence have been living. If there is oxygen found, then Laurean will face an additional murder charge.
It is absolutely ridiculous that tests need to be conducted on a dead child to determine if someone should be punished for their death. Oxygen or no oxygen, this baby may not have been born yet, but they still had a life that was violently taken away from them prematurely by the hands of a coward.
How dare Laurean and doctors play God in this situation? If it was not for Laurean, then that child could be alive today, happy and healthy.
How can anyone with an ounce of humanity wonder whether charges should be brought about for ending this child’s life before it could even begin?
It is thought that Laurean is currently hiding in Mexico with family members. If this is the case, then Laurean will be spared the death penalty. This is due to the fact that Mexico will not extradite prisoners that could possibly be put to death. If Laurean is found anywhere else, then prosecutors will possibly seek a punishment of death.
Laurean needs to be brought back to the United States to face his charges and be put on trial. If his guilt is found, then he should be punished for his crimes accordingly.
No matter how harsh the punishment it will not bring back the lives of Lauterbach and her child. It will not erase the pain that lives inside her family and friends everyday.
Even if the perpetrator is never caught and formally punished for what he has done, hopefully the pain he has caused lives inside him everyday.
