Mexico Catches Suspect in Marine Killing

By TRACI CARL Associated Press Writer
AP Photo

MORELIA, Mexico (AP) -- Chained at the wrists and ankles, the American Marine wanted in the brutal slaying of a pregnant colleague stared straight ahead Thursday night, but his eyes occasionally filled up with tears as he answered a reporter's questions.

Cpl. Cesar Laurean was presented by police in the small town of Tacambaro, in western Mexico, hours after Mexico authorities arrested him.

Appearing a bit disoriented, he spoke briefly with The Associated Press while being held at the Michoacan state Attorney General's Office in Morelia, the state capital.

"You know my name. You know who I am," said the bearded Laurean, who was wearing a red Aeropostal shirt. Asked if he wanted to say anything, Laurean simply said "Proof," but wouldn't explain. I think his proof was in his firepit.

Questioned on what he would do next, he replied, "do I have a choice?... I don't know."
Laurean had told police that he had been sleeping in fields and eating avocados and other fruit he found there.

He faces first-degree murder charges in the death of Marine Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach.
Magdalena Guzman, a spokeswoman for Michoacan state prosecutors, said police carrying out an anti-kidnapping operation stopped Laurean as he wandered on a street because they thought he looked suspicious.

When they realized he didn't speak Spanish well, they became even more suspicious. After running his name through a computer - and recognizing his distinctive tattoos - they realized that the United States wants him extradited to face charges in the death of Marine Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach.

U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza said in a statement that the arrest "is a clear message to all would-be fugitives from U.S. law that Mexico will not provide them refuge." ...