US Marine tagged in transgender slay named
Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude. ALLAN MACATUNO/INQUIRER CENTRAL LUZON
MANILA, Philippines—The US Marine tagged in the killing of a Filipino transgender has been identified by the authorities and will be charged with murder on Tuesday.
Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, a US Marine Corps 2nd Battalion 9th Marines assigned at West Pace Express, was positively identified by a witness in the killing of 26-year-old Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude in Olongapo City on Saturday.
Reading the Olongapo City Police director’s report, Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson, said the witness identified Pemberton through a photo line-up process provided by the US Naval Crime Investigation Service (NCIS).
The report said the witness was 22-year-old Mark Clarence Gelviro, who on Saturday night accompanied Laude when they met the suspect at the Ambyanz Disco bar hours before Laude was found dead.
City Police director Senior Superintendent Pedrito delos Reyes said a case of murder is being readied against the US Marine.
Laude was found lifeless on the bathroom floor of one of the rooms of Celzone Lodge after checking in allegedly with Pemberton. The victim’s head was slumped in the toilet.
Police said Laude could have been strangled and killed. She died of asphyxiation.
The custody of Pemberton remains a touchy subject. Asked where Pemberton would be detained while the trial is ongoing, Mayor said they will follow the provisions of the Visiting Forces of Agreement (VFA).
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