Not A Lawyer

41 responses so far ↓

• 1 Morel // Jan 13, 2008 at 3:34 am

  Sorry to say this happens more then you think.

  People suck.

• 2 Ryan // Jan 13, 2008 at 3:45 am

  I agree with you, but there is no need to victimize Laurean at this stage of the game. He is innocent until proven guilty and it seems he could possibly be innocent.

• 3 Frnnkdlxx // Jan 13, 2008 at 3:54 am

  “Now, of course, we know that Lauterbach was most likely murdered, burned, possibly dismembered and buried in the backyard by her alleged rapist, Laurean. Laurean is now on the run, having left his wife a note saying that Lauterbach had killed herself and that he had buried her in back of the house. ”

  This should be a movie…

• 4 Mark // Jan 13, 2008 at 4:05 am

  FYI, the rank of Cpl isn’t an officer rank so he couldn’t be a “superior oficer”. Just a “superior”.

  I hope that piece of crap gets what’s coming to him.

• 5 Megan // Jan 13, 2008 at 4:56 am

  Shouldn’t the victim be innocent also? It pisses me off that any time a woman is raped and comes forward about it, she is completely victimized by everyone. It’s sad that the people who are the victims are made to look like the villains.

  Anyway, it will be interesting to see if the DNA of her child matches that of Laurean. If so, let’s hope he’s charged for at least the murders of the child and of Lauterbach.

  Thank you for writing this. I’m glad I’m not the only one who was a little concerned that her friends and family were more concerned with making her look bad than finding her.

• 6 Chris // Jan 13, 2008 at 5:10 am

  Acctually Cpl. Is a Non-Commisioned officer designation by the US Marine Corp, And technically he was her superior officer. Just thought I should clarify that. Its sad what happened to her, I wish the US Marine Corp and US Navy, would use a better equal opportunity and sexual abuse instruction that would have a massive penalty and intense investigation to get these problems solved and out the door. There is always two sides to a story, and these inconsitansies in confessions are pieces of the puzzle that normal investigators in todays police force would have not thrown out the door.

• 7 peter guszti // Jan 13, 2008 at 5:13 am

  SHe even got raped, its so funny you read eveyone that america is the land of the free, but it isnt,http://www.opentopix.com/topic/world-news/murdered-pregnant-marine-was-victimized-by-many

• 8 Brian // Jan 13, 2008 at 6:33 am

  Even friends of Lauterbach posted messages online urging her to call home, saying “you know the number.” These kinds of things, while filled with hope that she was still alive and able to call home, served to further smear the reputation of the Lauterbach. Did her friends actually feel that she was the type of woman who would leave before the holidays and not contact anyone to let them know that she and her baby were okay?

  Saying to a friend: “you know the number” is not victimization.

  While I believe that this woman was wronged on SO many levels, this article uses a lot of whining tones in an attempt to make its case.

• 9 Gerri // Jan 13, 2008 at 6:40 am

  Brian: If being completely appalled constitutes “whining tones”, so be it. This girl was wronged on so many levels it is unbelievable.

  Putting up posters with her photo and information is one thing, putting up posters with her face basically insinuating that she is an asshole who ran away is victimization.

• 10 Clueless // Jan 13, 2008 at 6:55 am

  You people are speaking a language that is not English - there appears to be a sacred victimhood that everyone aspires to, and like any religion, varying interpretations of the sacred texts that tell you who gets to be a victim. One person even says the rapist is a victim! Jeez louise, people.

• 11 Gerri // Jan 13, 2008 at 8:18 am

  Calling the alleged rapist/murderer a victim is quite inventive. He is in no way a victim.

  I actually think that he may have committed suicide and will be found dead. Then people could say he was a victim of himself? Yeah, ok.

  He probably thought he would get away with this and when the heat was on he freaked out and went on the run, but surely he knows/knew that he can’t run forever. I’m sure he will be found, whether it be dead or alive.

  While I don’t believe in convicting someone in the media, it is clear from his note to his wife that Maria died in his home and he burned and buried her in the backyard. This in itself is a crime, and I suppose not the only thing that he’s guilty of doing in this case.

  Imagine for a moment, a person you are accused of raping kills herself at your home. It’s a stretch, I know. But say that did happen. Any sane and reasonable person would immediately call the police. The appropriate action would definitely not be to burn and bury the body/bodies and bury them, and then hope that no one ever notices and this supposedly bi-polar liar and her baby are forgotten.

  Calling Laurean a victim is pretty far-fetched.

• 12 Amanda // Jan 13, 2008 at 8:45 am

  At 8 months pregnant Laurean might have been feeling the heat of a paternity test coming up and took some kind of horrific action.

  People asking her to ‘call home’ is just a coping mechinism and something to do while they wait around helplessly.

• 13 BLT // Jan 13, 2008 at 9:29 am

  It simply amazes me that the Marines even allowed a person with a bi-polar disorder into the service. Even if she got in with it, as soon as she was found out to have this disorder, she should have been discharged. It’s simply military law. This wreaks of the military being forced to pander to women while attempting to be PC. If she’s a habitual liar, she’s out too.

• 14 mike // Jan 13, 2008 at 9:47 am

  i hate to be sexist but this is why women shouldn’t be in the army. especially one that’s crazy.

• 15 sean // Jan 13, 2008 at 10:35 am

  Probably going to be a cover up somewhere. The army will tell them not to do it again and slap them on the wrist. I feel sorry for two lives lost here!

• 16 Michelle // Jan 13, 2008 at 10:45 am

  Mike, your argument is ridiculous. Why not say that men shouldn’t be in the army because of the alleged rape/murder? Both suggestions are ludicrous. Gender has nothing to do with capability in the armed forces.

  And one small clarification - you don’t hate to be sexist, you’re programmed to be.

• 17 Joel // Jan 13, 2008 at 10:54 am

  The moment you have a slight smear on your reputation, self-righteous American hypocrites shit on you again and again.

  Take pornstar Lucy Lee, for example. She has a crappy job and a drinking problem. She got arrested and put in prison for a year, which porn “fans” are cheering. What the hell will prison really accomplish?

  http://lukeisback.com/bloglukeisback/?p=1542

• 18 uker // Jan 13, 2008 at 12:35 pm

  really sad story. it is hard to say not the girl started flirting at first, and then claimed being raped. what happened to girls and men, who behave like animals mating.

• 19 peace // Jan 13, 2008 at 12:53 pm

  http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-341031042963487862

  http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9137016279925999679

  these should clear up some of the questions you all may have

• 20 brad // Jan 13, 2008 at 1:40 pm

  Not all the details are in, and the man is innocent until proven guilty. Especially since her rape accusations are not totally believable, let’s not sentence the man already.

• 21 anonymous // Jan 13, 2008 at 1:58 pm

  this girl’s vagina was so good that everyone was raping her?….that’s a little hard to believe. She sounds like a real bitch to me. And yeah, a compulsive liar. She was probably pissing off way too many people and she finally got what was coming to her.

• 22 Ana // Jan 13, 2008 at 10:42 pm

  What alarms me here, is that even if she was biopolar and had run off, someone who has run away because they are in a manic episode is incapable of making rational decisions and is in very real danger of committing suicide or being victimized. Bipolar disorder kills. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in young adults. Homicide is the second. A disappearance of someone who is mentally incapacitated by any medical condition should not be taken lightly. They need urgent medical attention, not flippant remarks.

• 23 Ryan // Jan 14, 2008 at 12:27 am

  Your bashing people for claiming she was a liar, or saying she just ran away etc etc… Then you turn around and essentially crucify a guy who has YET to be proven guilty….

  You are all pathetic hypocrites.

• 24 Sara // Jan 14, 2008 at 2:29 am

  “It simply amazes me that the Marines even allowed a person with a bi-polar disorder into the service. Even if she got in with it, as soon as she was found out to have this disorder, she should have been discharged. It’s simply military law. This wreaks of the military being forced to pander to women while attempting to be PC. ”

  She was ALLEGEDLY bi-polar. If she were in fact, I don’t doubt that she would not have still been serving. Remarks like this seem innocuous but demonstrate some seriously warped thinking.

  Comment #20 has to be a troll, it is so disgusting.

• 25 sympathetic // Jan 14, 2008 at 4:06 am

  this poor gal was missing and all her mother could say was negative things about her. You can imagine the kind of chance she had in life.

• 26 anonymous // Jan 14, 2008 at 8:48 am

  Now that is one sick remark and makes one wonder just what type of THING !!!!! would even type that. You need help good greif. Real scary with people that would feel that was any thing right to say, out there running around on the lose. You talk about her being as you say a bitch. Look in the mirror being that would mean a compliment compared to what you sound like. lol

• 27 Katie // Jan 15, 2008 at 1:59 am

  This happens all the time; I’m a Marine vet, and it’s infuriating that the Marine Corps brushes off it’s women as “whores” and “liars.” Any time a woman reports a rape (which happens often, because men are encouraged to see women as little more than sex objects and deserving of ill treatment from the onset of boot camp thanks to their DI’s) they’re victimized by their fellow Marines in their unit, and the unit leaders do almost nothing to stop it. THIS is what happens when you ignore your fellow Marines, gentlemen. I hope heads roll for this.

• 28 Diana // Jan 16, 2008 at 8:18 pm

  this happened to a female marine friend of mine too but thank god it was stopped before she got raped… but of course even though the duty officer saw what was going on nothing was done the 3 marines

• 29 suzique // Jan 17, 2008 at 1:26 am

  Reading that stuff makes me wonder if we’re actually living in Afghanistan.

  “We’ve sent in troops filled with rapists and murders to free you from the rapists and murderers domineering the poor women of your land!”

  What a joke.

• 30 Kat // Jan 17, 2008 at 5:55 pm

  You are correct Katie that male Marines disregard female Marines, and they call them “whores”. I have dated Marines, and they call WMs nothing but “dirty worthless whores”. It is true.

• 31 Mary // Jan 17, 2008 at 8:26 pm

  This poor girl had a very sad life to begin with, (At least that’s what it sounds like) joining the Marines was probably the best desition she could have made for herself. As far as Laurean goes, assuming that he did it been a Marine had nothing to do with it. Somepeople are just horrible mistakes of the universe, pisse poor excuses of the human race. Again nothing to do with armed forces. Why don’t we stop and think that this poor girl did nat deserved what happen to her at 20 years old. NO body deserves that kind of death, exept the person/s who did this to her.

• 32 Barb // Jan 18, 2008 at 4:47 pm

  Maria Frances Lauterbach was a fine young woman finding her place in our (still) man oriented society. She joined the Corp during wartime. She loved the Marines to the extent that when they assured her her rapist would be disiplined, she tried to carry on a normal day, only to be continuously harrassed by fellow Marines that were never taught proper ways to treat PEOPLE. Shame on the parents who allow their children to BULLY. Shame on the Corp for feeling woman are second class citizens. MY DAUGHTER IS A UNITED STATES MARINE SHE HAS ALREADY INCOUNTERED A PROBLEM WITH THE CORP. SHE FOLLOWED PROPER PROTACOL AND SHE WAS CALLED A LIAR. (WHICH BY THE WAY SHE IS NOT)!

• 33 Barb // Jan 18, 2008 at 4:52 pm

  Brad, I’d love to meet you face to face. You are a fool and I feel nothing but sorry for you and your mother. He is guilty, or he would not have fled for he would have believed in his beloved “Corp”. Katie “wow” you do know the corp. Isn’t is sad, but more importantly how can we CHANGE things? My daughter was scheduled to go to IRAQ with 19 men andher, when I was concerned about a rape situation I was told that it really doesnt happen . . . my situation arose in August 2006 before the murder of MARIA FRANCES LAUTERBACH AND HER UNBORN CHILD. Let’s keep this alive and give the fellow Marine his “day in court”. He can spit out the truth, maybe.

• 34 Barb // Jan 18, 2008 at 4:56 pm

  Comment #21 when you have a daughter karma will return your comments. In general men are pigs, and I am sure a wicked smiled just crossed your face, because you are a future muderer also we should just lock you up now. PS to afraid not to use anonymous. Another Male Coward.

• 35 Meshee // Jan 20, 2008 at 12:27 am

  This is so sad.
  I hope they find the guy and go to trial quickly.
  I hope the Marine superiors are investigated and disciplined for mishandling this.

• 36 Z-USMC // Jan 21, 2008 at 6:30 am

  Wow! Do we have an hour ?
  #1 - WORKPLACE:
  a) Maria reported rape by a fellow “Marine”, (he is) actually a poor representation of one who dons the uniform and pretends. Each and every Marine is taught the difference between right and wrong, just in case they failed “human dignity 101″ in civilian life. There is only one of two directions - professional or not. That Cpl. tarnishes the very name and fine traditions and reputation of our proud Marine Corps (not Army); however, he is not the only one who should answer up. (see b)
  b) It is absolutely true that Boot Camp, the first introduction to USMC, produces challenges. Besides the obvious culture shock, educational, and physical requirements, there are ABSOLUTELY gender issues and obstacles. AND yes… Recruiters, as well as DIs (Drill Instructors) , the teachers, are the first in a continuous line of “shapers”, the ones responsible for making, and maintaining good Marines. I have personally shut down many a crude comment from males. It is not because they are military. We all know that idiot requirements aren’t specific…all facets, regardless of race, creed, color,etc…If you do find a crappy person in the military, or otherwise, you can bet your boots, they were that way before. It’s not a flip of the switch.
  c) USMC - fraternization policy…Lance Corporals and NCOs (Non Commisioned Officers - enlisted personnel), should not be intermingling, so to speak. This is where the misunderstanding, and misquotes come in on who actually raped her…confusion in the media. Does it happen ? Of course, (hormones, chemistry, whatever is in the air) and far worse. There is a long chain of command, in each section before the actual “officer” is reached. So…
  d) Where was her NCOIC ? (NCO in charge) The one responsible for immediate troop welfare. Who was looking out for her? Where was that NCOIC’s boss…the Staff NCOIC, his or her boss ? Why don’t the know what is going on in their own section ? Where were her fellow Marines, (not buddies with, or brown nosers to the Corporal)? Was there not one, just one, who believed it possible that she could have been telling the truth? Sure…power in numbers, but everything starts with one. Someone willing to stand up for another…that is strength.
  e) WHY, in this world, were those two kept in the same section, when an accusation like this was introduced? That was the infamous train wreck, waiting to happen. That is ridiculous, regardless of who was judging, siding, guessing, or just plane dumbfounded. It didn’t matter if they moved that kid to the building next door. Sections transfer all the time, when it suits their purposes. You wonder why she could possibly be “friendly” in her workplace - how about the fact that one of them learned professionalism, the other aced “smooth talker” class…guess which. They were shoved together on a daily basis. Perhaps she figured that something positive could be produced by an unfortunate start, which brings us to motherhood.
  #2 - HOMEFRONT
  a) There hasn’t been too much mention of too many, in particular, in Maria’s family. It could be that those who are closest, are really having a rough time, so much so that they aren’t ready to “show themselves”. Totally understandable, and our condolences go out to her family, friends, and those that have kind of adopted this whole tragedy in some way.
  b) She is described as bipolar or compulsive liar by who? Can we say “step mother”. This is, by no means, meant as a dig to all of the great ones, and we obviously do not have the full story, but what kind of meaning could possibly be misconstrued there? There is a big difference between positive and negative reinforcement or support. Apparently this stepmother only learned the latter.
  c) Telling this young girl that she should give up her child because she would be a rotten mother is like a pot calling the kettle black. Anyone who has experienced becoming a parent knows that, regardless of the conceiving circumstance, carrying a life inside of you, or being part (not to leave out the fathers), changes you. Maternal instinct will guide you , on this eternal quest to find a better life for your child, whether it be with you or someone better suited. At 20, Maria had enough ahead of her. One thing I have learned about the cliche”, “takes one to know one”, is that it pretty much fits into any title, great leaders and mothers, included. Maybe this could have been her defining moment, something that helped her flourish, and possibly help her other challenges. She should not have, for any reason, been kicked while she was down. I wonder who all has regrets right now.
  #3 - THE CRIME SCENE
  a) Slit her own throat…spare me. First of all, everybody try this - Go to the mirror, pretend you are with this person you are supposedly making a point to, use your finger, comb, brush…whatever. Make the motions of slitting your throat. How many of you tilted your own head back, far enough to make a blood splatter, not just the walls, but the ceiling? Most would be looking slightly above “straight” ahead, especially if they were looking into someone else’s eyes. Sounds more like someone grabbed by the hair with there head forcibly cocked back, and slashed pretty hard. Besides, if this is true, when did she perform the fatal blow - blunt force trauma to her head…before or after?
  b) If the poor dear Cpl was a victim of a “disturbed” gal…why the cover up? No call to the authorities, bleach and paint afterward, burning, burying. That’s most would do if we had nothing to hide, right? Wouldn’t most have a bit of a “freak out” moment, and have to be calmed by 911?
  c) True, she did go to his home. Since this household has reality issues, the whole truth may never be revealed. Unless she had assumed that this was a positive visit, she would not likely have gone over there. Who knows what he could have been telling her? She may have thought that the wife knew, and there was going to be some sort of acceptance, by somebody…the positive from all of this. Or maybe she just thought she could get some nagging questions answered, or explanations…who knows what all was going through her mind? Bottom line -why would she go to her rapist’s home, alone, with intentions of starting a fight when she already know she could not physically over power him? I find it hard to believe, that any 7 1/2 month pregnant lady would go, prepared to end her and her child’s life. And if that was the case, (he didn’t see it coming) with “comrades in arms” etched in his brain from day one, why wouldn’t he instantly rush to aid, use his instincts, and apply his first aid knowledge, that every Marine is taught ? It seems more like he found his way out, and figured his wife would never have to find out the real story of his infidelity.
  d) It is a purely nauseating thought that the Cpl’s wife, as a mother herself, would know about this crime, that this girl and her child were murdered and buried in her yard, and not alert authorities immediately. If she refused with everything she had, Maria’s accusations, (assuming she knew), that moment that she found out, should have brought her to around. Whether or not she knew, hearing something like that, finding that her husband was capable of such disgusting measures, should have been enough to make the right choice, and not give him a head start. Is anyone that really that insecure, that they lose all sense…sad. This couldn’t have happened too quickly…where was she? Wasn’t there an odor coming from the house or yard ? Does she have a sense of smell ? Kind of makes you wonder about a little more involvement than we know of.
  #4 LASTLY
  The note to the room mate. It never was stated, in the news, if the “leaving” meant leaving the apartment, or the city, state, country…
  It said she was tired of the Marine Corps lifestyle. Well who, not once in 99% of your job/career experience have not been tired, irritated, bored, fed up, etc…at one point or another? If you can truly say “me”, please fill me in, because I may consider a career change. How many of you still went back to work the next day, after one respective thought or comment?

  Once in a while, something happens that really grabs attention, and pulls at our heartstrings, and revives the sometimes absent, ‘human compassion’. Like most crimes, there are a ton of questions here, and no answer will do, even the truth, because the results are the same - done. The only morsel of satisfaction will be that justice is served, and that this mass amount of attention will force reevaluations, and recognition of the deficiencies in everyone, organization, or those that can relate, or find themselves in a similar situation. Better yet, maybe improvements will be made, and with the next situation, which, unfortunately, will rear it’s ugly head, these kinds of results can be prevented.

• 37 Michelle // Jan 21, 2008 at 8:15 am

  Very nice post, Z-USMC.

• 38 Kent // Jan 21, 2008 at 6:38 pm

  I’m sick and tired of woman getting a pass and not held accountable their crap, or people who make excesses for their outrageous behavior. Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying that she should have been killed,but when you screw with other peoples by lying then you are just asking for it Everyone is looking at her as a “victim” totally discounting the fact that she probably brought this upon her self The actual victim here just may very well be her killer

• 39 Michelle // Feb 12, 2008 at 8:14 am

  Yeah, killers are nearly always victims. We should just pay this guy compensation for his woes, pat him on his head and send him on his way.

• 40 Gerri // Feb 12, 2008 at 3:43 pm

  Michelle, well said. It’s not everyday someone wants to call an alleged rapist/murderer/baby murderer a victim, huh?

• 41 Z-USMC // Feb 13, 2008 at 4:10 am

  First, Thank you Michelle. Kent - You got issues, and about the time that you are in the wrong place, spouting out mess like that, and get plowed right between the eyes, or somewhere even more satisfying, I guess we can assume you you probably brought that upon yourself too.

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