Marines charged in nurse's slaying appear in court

For the third time in seven months, a young woman serving her nation has been slain at home, away from the dangers of combat.

"It is so close to home, and it is back to back," said Takisha Word, 30, a combat veteran's daughter from Fayetteville. "It kind of makes you leery."

The latest is Army 2nd Lt. Holley Wimunc, 24, a maternity ward nurse at Fort Bragg's Womack Army Medical Center whose body was found Sunday not far from Camp Lejeune.

That's where her husband--Marine Cpl. John Wimunc--served as a combat engineer alongside Lance Cpl. Kyle Alden.

Wimunc and Alden made their first court appearance Tuesday, wearing a uniform of a different sort: orange coveralls and handcuffs.

Wimunc is charged with murder in his wife's death, and both men are charged with setting fire to her Fayetteville apartment.

"I don't want this tried in the media," said Wimunc's attorney, D.W. Bray. "Please remember he is innocent until proven guilty."

At a brief hearing in Cumberland County District Court, Judge George Franks explained the charges and agreed to appoint an attorney for Alden. Their next court appearance is set for Aug. 5.

"Good luck to you, sir," Franks told both men.