Ohio Congressman disappointed with Marine Corps response on Lauterbach

By: Laura Vesco/Eyewitness News 9 | WNCT
Published: April 10, 2008

Click here to read the full question/answer from the Marine Corps!

Jacksonville, N.C. - An Ohio Congressman says he is disappointed with the Marine Corps answers in the death of Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach.

The Lauterbach family lives in Congressman Michael Turner’s district and on their behalf he asked 29 questions of the Commandant about the murder.

While the Corps answered every question, Turner says it's still not enough.

"Throughout all their answers, there is a lack of understanding of the risk, there is a lack of understanding in the urgency," says Congressman Turner.

Of the 29 questions, this question/answer puzzled Congressman Michael Turner the most, “Doesn't a rape accusation contain an element of force or threat?”

"They said it is executed by force without consent of the victim. But then they go on to say that Lauterbach never alleged any violence or threat of violence in either sexual encounter," says Turner.

"Do you think in those statements they are basically saying she was not raped," asks Laura Vesco, Eyewitness News 9.

"I don't know what they are saying. But we know Maria Lauterbach is dead and we know she was found in Laurean’s backyard with her unborn child and there were some serious decisions made along the way that weren't correct," says Turner.

Turner also is upset the Corps felt it unnecessary to question Corporal Ceasar Laurean after Maria disappeared, treating him as though he was innocent.

"The Marine Corps may say well since she waited a month to come forward, there is no solid evidence that she had been raped by him. What would you say to that,” asks Vesco.

"All the time women are hesitant to come forward when they are raped. That doesn't mean that they aren't at risk or those allegations and that underlying crime should not be taken seriously," says Turner.

Congressman Turner says the Corps only defended it's actions rather than examine what decisions could have prevented this horrific tragedy.

Congressman Turner also says the Marine Corps needs to change the way it notifies the chain of commands when someone goes on unauthorized absences after an allegation of an assault.