Laurean faces Onslow County judge

The former Marine charged with the murder of Marine Lance Corporal Maria Lauderbach appeared before an Onslow County judge Monday.

Cesar Laurean entered a plea of not guilty. His defense attorney said he will seek a change of venue in the trial because of all the media attention in Onslow County.

Laurean fled to Mexico shortly after becoming the prime suspect in Lauderbach’s death. As part of the extradition deal, prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty.