Pentagon: Lejeune botched Lauterbach rape case
The Pentagon’s inspector general is criticizing Camp Lejeune officials for inadequate and incomplete handling of Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach’s rape complaint against Cpl. Cesar Laurean, who later murdered her.
The report found that the details of Lauterbach’s rape complaint were not entered into a database maintained by the base’s Sexual Assault and Prevention Response program for six months after they were reported. NCIS agents never interviewed some potential witnesses after Lauterbach’s allegation and others were not interviewed until months later.
In related news, Laurean’s appeal is coming up next month.
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Posted in Cesar Laurean, Closer Look, Lauterbach case, Marine Corps | 5 Comments »
One of the difficulties was pinning down just what had happened. Firstly, Maria didn’t report anything immediately, and secondly, when questioned by Megan Grafton (NCIS Investigator,) Maria told what had happened (after hours, taking her by the hand and leading her to somewhere more secluded, stopping when she asked him to stop,) so it sounded very confusing.
However, there is no doubt whatever that Maria was at Cesar’s home on the day she died.
There was communication between them all the time, rape allegation or no rape allegation.
There was a military protective order in place, too. I don’t know if they actually met one another (other than the last day) whilst the protective order was in force, but they were in
communication.
I can think of several reasons why they would keep in touch with each other, but it definitely wasn’t the best thing to do, as events have shown.
Poor Mary and the family have had a dreadful ordeal. My deepest sympathies to to them.
Comment by justice4all — October 29, 2011 @ 12:17 am
Once again in the government has botched yet another investigation at Camp Lejuene. I am sure this does not come as a surprise to the readers here in Jacksonville North Carolina. Many of us still remember the Smith murders that occurred at Watkins Village, in the late 70s early 80s. The perpetrator has never served one day in prison after murdering multiple people inside this home. Caesar L. should never see the outside of the jail cell for the remainder of his life. He not only murdered this woman, but took the life of his unborn child. There is no rehabilitation for psychopathy!
Comment by Michael Walton — November 1, 2011 @ 7:09 am
Child wasn’t his.
Comment by Lindell Kay — November 1, 2011 @ 10:47 am
Psst Michael Walton, you spell his name Cesar vs. Caesar.
Comment by Hope — November 2, 2011 @ 9:31 am
Maybe we will find out more details about the Laurean and Lauterbach relationship during the appeal this month. Still so many unanswered questions.
It didn’t take Christina Laurean long to get married again.
Comment by Sue — November 2, 2011 @ 9:42 am