Murder Charges Filed Against Man In Death Of Fellow Marine's Pregnant Wife

SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — Murder charges were filed Tuesday against a 24-year-old marine accused of killing a fellow marine's pregnant wife, the San Bernardino County District Attorney announced.

Christopher Brandon Lee faces murder and a special circumstance allegation of "lying in wait" in the death of 19-year-old Erin Corwin.

Lee was arrested Sunday in Anchorage, Alaska where he will make his first court appearance at 2:30 p.m.

If Lee waives extradition, he can be returned to San Bernardino County immediately.  However, if he fights extradition, it may take four to six weeks, officials said.

Court papers show Lee was Corwin's lover and that she disappeared June 28 after leaving her Twentynine Palms home to meet Lee for a hunting trip.

Marine Cpl. Jonathan Corwin reported his wife missing the next day.

Her body was found Saturday at the bottom of a 140-foot mine shaft in Joshua tree after an extensive 8-week search.

"Once again, we are faced with a terrible crime that shows absolutely no regard for the value of human life," DA Michael Ramos said. "Make no mistake that this office will fight to see that justice is carried out for our victim and her family."

Lee faces life without parole or death if convicted.

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