Murder raps were filed Wednesday against Private First Class Joseph Scott Permberton, the US Marine tagged in the killing of transgender Jeffrey Laude in Olongapo City last October 11.
The case was filed before the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office by Atty. Harry Roque, the Laude family’s legal counsel.
Laude, who uses the name “Jennifer,” was found dead inside the toilet of a room at Celzone Lodge Saturday night.
Pemberton was identified by witness Mark Clarence Gelviro as the last person seen with the victim.
Gelverio positively identified Pemberton during a photo line-up done by the United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).
Under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), American soldiers who figure in a crime in the country would be placed under US custody but the Philippines would have jurisdiction over the case.
Pemberton, a member of the US Marine Corps 2nd Battalion 9th Marines, is currently detained at USS Peleliu docked in Subic, Zambales.
All soldiers onboard the amphibious assault ship and another warship are barred from leaving their bases until after the investigation is over.
