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Dental records used to ID Lauterbach

An item of baby clothing was found with her charred remains; family said the fetus was a boy.

Staff and wire report

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Investigators found a melted plastic bag containing an item of baby clothing with the charred remains of Marine Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach of Vandalia, according to an autopsy report.

The clothing was labeled "Size 0-3 months."

Extras

The autopsy determined neither gender nor injuries regarding the fetus. Lauterbach's family said the fetus was a boy, and Lauterbach had chosen the name Gabriel for him. The fetus was buried with Lauterbach.

A medical examiner used dental records to identify the body of the pregnant Marine who authorities believe was killed in mid-December in North Carolina.

Lauterbach's remains were found in January in a fire pit in the backyard of Cpl. Cesar Laurean, who has been charged with murder in Lauterbach's slaying.

Lauterbach had accused Laurean of raping her last May. Both were stationed at Camp Lejeune.

In the autopsy report, the Office of the State Medical Examiner said Lauterbach, 20, likely died of blunt force trauma to the head. The report also found that she had a superficial incision on the left side of her neck that may have come after death.

In a note to his wife, Laurean claimed Lauterbach slit her own throat and that he buried her body.

Investigators believe Laurean, who was from Nevada, fled to his native Mexico in January. Rewards totaling more than $45,000 have been offered for his capture.

The autopsy results were released Friday, March 14.

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