Until recently, Touma and the unnamed soldier had been stationed in Bamberg, Germany, and according to the Fayetteville Observer, a friend in Germany says that Touma was recently engaged, but that the friend had never known the fiance's name. Below is the letter published in the Observer, taking responsibility for Touma's killing. As the reader of too many true crime books, I agree with the Fayetteville police: I don't think it's the work of a serial killer, but it's certainly hinky.

[Image of letter via Fayetteville Observer]

Source: German Base Links Touma, Person Of Interest [Fayetteville Observer]
Letter, Soldier Probed In Pregnant GI's Death [CNN]

Earlier: Horrors

Lauterbach filed the rape charges against Laurean (pictured) in April, and according to the Washington Post, Maria was harassed so badly in the meantime by her fellow Marines that she had to move off-base. Neither Lauterbach nor Laurean was reassigned to a different base after these charges were filed, because, according to military authorities, they were on "friendly terms" and Maria was ostensibly protected by a military order issued in May and renewed three times since then.

As has been reported before 20% of female veterans who seek care from the VA hospital showed symptoms of military sexual trauma. CBS News notes that there have been "complaints from female service members that the male-dominated chain of command did not take their allegations seriously," and the reticence of the Department of Defense to get involved in the Jamie Leigh Jones rape case further implies that the U.S. military does not care about the safety of the women in its employ.

Laurean is currently still missing, and though there have been sightings of him in Louisiana, none have been confirmed. Doddering local sheriff, Ed Brown, who, when Maria first went missing, implied that she had simply run away, had this to say about Laurean when asked what the Marine was capable of: ""Based on what I saw in that grave, anything."

Urgency Of Search For Marine Questioned [Washington Post]
Possible Sighting Of Marine Murder Suspect [CBS News]
No 'Confirmed Sightings' Of Suspect In Marine's Killing [CNN]

Earlier:
Mom Of Missing, Pregnant Marine Says She Was Victim Of Sexual Assault By A Superior
What Did Missing Marine Maria Lauterbach Witness Before She Mysteriously Vanished?
DoD To Jamie Leigh Jones: You're On Your Own, Sweetie

In addition, Lauterbach wasn't just pregnant, she was almost to term. Her due date was January 8. Jacksonville's Sheriff Ed Brown told reporters, "You pray that she's alive." We certainly do.

Sheriff Pleads With Missing Marine To Get Help[CNN]

Earlier: What Did Missing Marine Maria Lauterbach Witness Before She Mysteriously Vanished?

I'm just speculating, of course. I searched Nexis for clues — so resourceful, I know — and came up dry. In the meantime, her mother is very worried and the details of the case will no doubt become more sordid and disturbing. Although she could also be on some secret prenatal yoga retreat. Wouldn't it be nice if that happened in these cases once in awhile?

Pregnant Marine Missing From North Carolina Base [CNN]