Maria and I have known each other since we were little. The biggest thing that we shared together was soccer. We played together when we were little and all through high school and even when the high school season was over. She was always the one person that was making sure I was ok because a lot of the time, I would get grumpy over soccer. :0) She always told me things would be alright and that we just needed to have fun. She was a wonderful person and something like this should have never happened to her. I pray her family finds comfort somehow in knowing that she and Gabriel are in a better, safe place. Even though we all want them here, we know that at this point, being with the Lord is what is best. To Maria, I will NEVER forget you. You are a dear friend and I regret the loss of our communication after graduation when you went to fulfill your dream and be a hero. I will always love and cherish you until I see you again. Save me a spot up there next to you and that baby boy! Take care beautiful angels!

Dear Maria My Son Was Murdered Here In Dayton, Ohio June 19,2006. His Name Is Benji. May He Comfort You Where You Are Now & God Bless Your Family As This Is The Worst Thing That Could Have Ever Happened To Them. They Love You & This Has Hurt Them Deeply. I Know Benji Will Be There For You.

I am still stunned....that one of our Marines could kill another in such a horrific way. I live right outside Jacksonville, NC, and I can tell you, our military town of Camp Lejeune is in absolute shock. There is a candlelight vigil in memory of Maria and her unborn child Friday evening. They hope to circulate a petition to request the state of NC to change it's current law to allow double murder charges in the cases of pregnant women's homicide. My thought's and prayer's are not only for Maria's friends and family, but also for the suspects wife, and family. I also hope for a quick apprehension and swift justice ! We do not always have to be in another country, to be in harms way ! Rest in peace.

I did not know Maria, but have just been keeping up with the news on this aweful tragedy. I live in the Jacksonville area and my husband is a fellow Marine. My heart goes out to her family and just know that you are in our prayers here in Jacksonville. There are so many people that this story has effected

My prayers go out to Maria and her family. I remeber growing up with maria being neighbors. Playing man hunt and kickball. even soccer and basketball in highschool. I miss you so much maria and love you.

My heart and prayers for out to Maria and here family. I pray that her murder is properly solved .

Although I did not know Maria, I have learned quickly what a wonderful person she was in the past several days. I thank her for serving our country. Maria, her family, her friends and her unborn baby are in my prayers during this difficult time. It may be a rocky road right now, but justice WILL be served. You two are in a better place now. Peace be with you.

I did not know Maria,but have come to know about her over the last few days.My hear and prayers go to the family and friends of this beautiful girl and unborn baby.I am not only a mother& grandmother but a wife of a retired Marine.You are in Gods arms now.Semper Fi

With Respect, a Woman Marine Salute, and the promise to honor you until I die, I am your Sister and champion. Your precious baby must surely be in your arms. You both now have peace in the Creator's place.

Words cannot begin to say I bad I feel for your loss. I do not know how you will cope, but God has her and the baby lighting up heaven. Lean on him and he will keep you strong--to see justice done.

I did not know Maria, but her tragedy has touched my heart. I pray for her family in hope that this “animal” will be caught very soon. God Bless you.

Noone should have to go through something like this.A beautiful girls life cut short and her unborn child never had the chance to start a life and why, because a crule heartless man who not only hurt this girl but he just created so much pain that will be with her family always.I really hope they catch him and I know they will in time.I never knew Maria and I do not know her family but I am always here if they need someone to talk to or just someone to cry to. Maria was a hero of the US and now she is a hero of Gods.may her and her unborn child rest in peace. God bless her family and be with them always.

I never met Maria but nomatter what she did not deserve this and neither did her family.I am sure she is a beautiful angel along with the baby watching over her family.Apart of her will always be with you forever.My prayers are with you all.

I NEVER MET THE YOUNG LADY BUT WANTED TO WISH HER FAMILY MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THEIR TRAGIC LOSS. NO ONE SHOULD EVER HAVE TO BURY THEIR CHILD.

LCpl Lauterbach, I only spent those few months with you in bootcamp and in MCT, you made me feel welcome when I was dropped to our platoon, the conversations we had rack to rack at night stick in my head. I too am a pregnant Marine. I was single when the child came to be so I know the uncertanties that you faced. See you in heaven with your little baby, my husband says he came from Jesus and he is so happy to go back to Jesus he is dancing with the angels in heaven.

Maria, may you and your precious baby rest in peace and get the justice you deserve. I live the next road over from where dear Maria and her precious baby were killed, and it disgusts me how a human being can distinguish her precious life. Her baby never had a chance. But her baby will now always be with her mommy in heaven.

I never knew you Maria but send you my blessings. May the Lord kept you and your child forever in his amazing love. God bless.

I go to church with the Lauterbach family and our children go to school with her younger brother. This is a good, loving ,faith filled family. They are all greiving in ways we cannot even imagine. WE have been glued to the tv ever since she was reported missing. WE pray for her parents, her sisters, her brother. The only comfort we can find is knowing where Maria and her son are now, in the arms of Jesus. She will be her families guardian angel now and will be with them throughout thier lives until they all can meet again. I want justice for Maria, this was senseless! She was a victim and hero all in one. She was brave to come forward. I only wish the news media would focus more on that and not such negative things. My children cannot sleep at night, they are touched by this and I want them to know that Maria was a hero and that God is with her now and she has a greater job in Heaven, and a much happier one. God's speed Maria.

I did not know Maria personally, but when your part of the Marine Corps, you are all family. My heart cries for her. May she find peace. My thoughts & prayers to her family, friends & fellow Marines.

Maria, what a beautiful name. I did not know you personally. Your story has touched my heart deeply. I will pray for your family for I know the deep pain of losing a child. To your family I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I pray that our Lord Jesus will comfort you during this time of great loss. I don't know your religious beliefs, but I do know that my Jesus can comfort you as he has me since the loss of my precious son. Sincerely, Lanie and family in Alabama

I never knew Maria! But I know others that did. By Friends of My Niece and Her Husband a Marine at Camp Lejeune N.C., A member of Maria's Company. They speak very highly of this young Lady, This Marine, This Defender of my freedom! Why could'nt we have been there to defend You? I know that you are not alone! And I should not cry... But yet the tears do fall & my Heart is broken! You are with God now, With Friends & fellow Marines, Brothers and Sisters all! You are not alone! And you are still here on Earth, Alive in the Hearts all of those that know & Love You! And with me, In my heart too, Someone that never knew you, that will Never forget you! R.I.P. Marine... It is to a Better place you go now!

From a fellow enlisted female veteran with PTSD from MST - I am one of the Thousands of US women standing in their hearts identifying with your pain The PAIN of betrayal in the ranks Betrayal by your country - your countrymen and women who sit in their comfortable home while worthy women sacrifice their freedom thinking they can GIVE - give their energy, time, youth thinking they will reap an education and skills shocked by the reality of the "education and skills" the military REALLY has in mind. "A mind IS a terrible thing to waste" and so is a spirit. My service photograph has that same sad, shocked look on my face too. It's NOT fun being "the loser" in the military game. But there truly is a God who sees and rewards some and avenges others. Someday, every single person who could have changed this decades-long slave-market will give account for their blind eye. Someday, Every single person who contributed to the pain will confess. As all will.

There are so many I hardly know where to begin. Her mom drove this minivan where you could adjust the backseat to face the rear. Maria would, with all the devilish enthusiasm in the world, call this the "jumpseat" and it was like our own special fortress. We would play cards, hangman, throw stuff towards the front and just talk. She could make the most mundane thing in the world seem so much fun. I remember several trips to King's Island, St. Rita's festival, playing in the backyard of her home, and pictures of us playing together as toddlers. I was so lucky to have her in my life as long as she was. Her death is the worst thing I have ever had to experience. However, it has made me think about her, and that has been a treat. She was the greatest person you could hope to know. She never had one nasty thought about a person while I was around her, yet she always said exactly what was on her mind. It is of some solace to me that she died being the exact same courageous, integrity-driven person I had always remembered. I love her so much and really hope she knew it.

Maria was an awesome person, she was one of those people who could put a smile on your face no matter what. she was goofy and silly and just an all around great person. i remember the bus rides to ctc and back to butler with maria, all the good times we had i will always remember them and hold them dear to my heart. i will always remember and miss you maria! R.I.P

I'm from Norway and i have heard about this tragic event in the news and in her group on facebook..Maria was a beautiful young girl and her life as a mom was just to begin. I'm so sad and so angry about all the evil people in this world who could do this to a pregnant girl who was soon to deliver her baby??I hope they find this person and judge him the hardest way. I'm sure Maria and her baby is in heaven now. I hope her family can find a way to get through this sorrow and get theyr life going just with the good memories of Maria. I think of you all Love from Mona from Norway..

Maria always made me laugh. She could never sit still. My brother and I always had a blast whenever we went over to the Lauterbach's and played. I have known her since forever (it seems like) and the world will not be the same without her. The family is so warming and kind. I can't believe something like this would happen to them! My heart cries out to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers...

I didn't know Maria very well but she was always a very nice and fun person. We played for Butler's soccer team and she was always very aggressive and powerful on the field. She was an athletic and energetic person on and off the field and always seemed to be in a good mood. I will always remember her quirkiness and her lively personality.

I did not know Maria either but as a Marine she was like another sister or brother in the Corps. This story has hit me really hard and I do not take my eyes off the news. I just want to send my condolences to her family and also say may you, Maria and your little angel rest in peace... I am sorry that you were not better protected but just know that you are now in a safer place in the Heavens above! No one will ever hurt you or your baby ever again! You and your precious Angel will never be forgotten! R.I.P.

Say Soccer Summer Camps when we were seven ... and we had a couple of classes Freshman and Sophmore year together ... She was a great girl with a competitive edge and a loving personailty :)

I did not know Maria Lauterbach, or her family, but I live in Jacksonville and have seen how this tragic event has affected those in the community. It's a tragedy, there's no doubt about it. Maria, her unborn child and her family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully the person responsible will be apprehended soon and brought to justice. Until then, at least Maria and her child are in a better place.

all of the good times in the garage, playing guitar hero, and watching you attempt to play it. trips to the wilmington mall. all of these things i will never forget, the world was lucky to have you in it for 20 amazing years. you'll be missed angel.

May God's love comfort the Lauterbach family in this terrible and tragic time. Maria and her baby are in a far better place. May God Bless you all.

I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Maria and her child.. also her family. I did not know this woman but I feel so bad for what has happened to her and her child. God bless her and may she be peacefully holding her baby in her arm's up in heaven.

Nothing I could say would comfort the pain you are going through right now. Even though I live hundreds of miles away in another country, Maria's death has affected me May you know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers Thank you Maria for standing up for what you believed in

I did not know Lcpl Maria, but my son is a Lcpl in the Corps. And I have been glued to the TV waiting with the rest of the nation, and praying for the family of Maria, and her unborn baby. RIP Maria, another Marine to guard heaven's gates. God Bless and deepest sympathy.

peace be with you and your baby, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and you are in our hearts and prayers

We send you off as one of our nations hero's. God bless you and keep you Maria and your little baby as you have entered Heaven together.

God bless you Maria. I pray your family finds peace in knowing you are with your father in heaven.

My deepest sympathies to all of Maria's family and friends that they had to suffer such a tragic loss because a monster of a human being decided to end her life.I hope poor Maria and her baby are somewhere better,at peace,she did not deserve to have her life and the innocent life of her unborn child taken violently away,her child deserved a chance at life,and she deserved to live out the rest of her life in peace.It's a terrible tragedy and I hope the man responsible does at least one honorable thing and turns himself in.What a waste of two innocent human lives.Rest In Peace Maria.And I hope there is justice for you and your baby.

Maria's bright face conveys great joy with life, and her serious Marine Corps official photo shows a young lady who has undertaken a challenge very few are willing to undertake. It was very telling to me that this young lady chose to carry a baby to term that may have beent he result of a sexual assault. What a noble decision. Not only that, she was going to give it up for adoption. This person clearly put others first in a way that so few do. What a sad shame that she's gone. She's in my prayers.

The Lauterbach Family and Friends are in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you at this hurtful time in your lives. I do not know Maria, but I live in Jacksonville, and I can feel the pain that this brings on our community, my heart goes out to her and her baby. I pray for the officials in charge that they can do their job with as much wisdom and strength reguardless of the rumers the media starts. This horrible situation will find its justice soon, I hope. Now that her and her baby are now in heaven together, they are safer and happier then ever.

Although I did not know Maria, she has been on my mind and heart since her disappearance was announced. I too was a woman Marine in Jacksonville a few years ago. Maybe that is why this inhumane loss has hit me so hard. My prayers and thoughts are with your family. I hope that your pain and loss will be replaced with wonderful memories. God bless you.

Women Marines have been getting bad mouthed for years. You served with honor and I'm proud of you. From a former marine wm and daughter of a marine wm. Rest in peace.

I did not have the priviledge of knowing you but am so upset with this tragic event. What a horrible shame that you did everything the right way in reporting to the people you had to what an injustice had been done to you and yet they did nothing to protect you....now it's too late. What a horrible shame that there was no one in authority whether military or civilian that could protect you. Now you have nothing to worry about, no one to hurt you, you are safe with the Lord and with your sweet little innocent baby. What a horrible shame it all is.

Dear Lord I pray for you to watch over Maria and hold her close to you, this young Marine who proudly served her country, and allow her little one to play in the green grass on heaven's highest hill. Please give her family and friends strength for the days ahead and grant them solace in knowing that our prayers are with them. In Jesus name I ask.

Sad and sorry. No answer will explane a earthly humane war loss such as this. At best, to hold ones peace of mind, we'll never understand such a stupid situation of loss pain insane. Only God knows why for sure. Beyond our understanding. Pray for all inocence.... Justice be swift for all. Live and let die. Live and let live....

Having lost an infant son many years ago, I am always saddened when a pregnant Mother to be is murdered. This was a horrific act, and very troubling to civilized individuals. My heart goes out to Maria Lauterbach's family and friends.

I did not know her, but I am a marine's wife. I was very sad to find out about her murder. noone deserves this. You will always be a marine. even in heaven. Semper fi. R.I.P maria