A prosecutor says a Marine who fled to Mexico before he was charged with killing a pregnant Marine near Camp Lejeune may never have a trial in the U.S.

Onslow County District Attorney Dewey Hudson said Monday that 21-year-old Cpl. Cesar Laurean is appealing his extradition to the Mexican courts, arguing that North Carolina's life without parole sentence for first-degree murder is barred under the countries' extradition treaty.

It's unclear when the Mexican court will rule. Hudson said the argument has been unsuccessfully used in the past, but Laurean could be released from jail in Mexico if the court sides with him.

Laurean is charged in the slaying of 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach of Vandalia, Ohio. Her charred remains were found buried in Laurean's backyard in January.

Original Story

The attorney for a Marine accused of killing a pregnant colleague says his client is fighting extradition to the United States.

Dick McNeil says 21-year-old Cpl. Cesar Laurean has filed an extradition appeal in a Mexican court.

In September, North Carolina officials said a Mexican court approved returning Laurean to the U.S.

Laurean is charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of Marine Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach. The 20-year-old from Vandalia, Ohio, was eight months pregnant when she was killed late last year.

Her remains were found in Laurean's backyard near North Carolina's Camp Lejeune where both Marines served as clerks.

Laurean was arrested in Mexico in April.