US Marines sought as witnesses in Laude slay won’t appear in probe

MANILA, Philippines — US Embassy spokesperson Kurt Hoyer said on Sunday that the four other US Marines invited to Tuesday’s preliminary hearing on the Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude slay would no longer appear at the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office as they have already given their statements.

“The witnesses have made their testimonies available satisfying the requirements of the VFA and Philippine law. They will not be appearing because they already met with the appropriate Philippine authorities,” Hoyer said yesterday.

Asked whether the four witnesses were still in the country, Hoyer replied: “They are not here anymore.”

Earlier, the US Embassy said the prime suspect, Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton and his Filipino lawyer would have to decide whether to appear in the preliminary hearing.

RELATED STORIES

AFP on VFA, Laude issues: Why burn the whole house if only one corner has leak?

US to produce Marine sought over murder of transgender Filipino

ICYMI: Understanding the VFA after transgender slay

Read more...