Missing Pregnant Marine

By: Jennifer Coates/Eyewitness News 9 | WNCT
Published: January 08, 2008

Federal Authorities are investigating the disappearance of a pregnant marine from Camp Lejeune. Onslow County Sheriff Ed Brown has what he calls "mixed feelings" about this case. His office is not talking too much about the investigation, but after a few weeks of investigating, they've decided to reach out to the media for help finding 20-year-old Maria Lauterbach.
She was last seen December 14^th, but wasn't reported missing until the 19th. That's when her mother in Ohio called authorities in Onslow County. Lauterbach is a Lance Corporal with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group. She is also believed to be 8 and a half months pregnant. Lauterbach's mother says her daughter was a witness in an incident that occurred on base, and she is scheduled to testify in court. Deputies aren't going into much detail about the investigation, but say they do have reason to believe it's suspicious.
Investigators found her car last night at the bus station on Onslow Drive. Now we're told she lived off base. The SBI and NCIS are also helping in the investigation. If you know anything about the disappearance of 20-year-old Maria Lauterbach - call your local law enforcement agency.