Jennifer Laude or Jeffrey Laude, a Filipino transgender, was found dead in a motel in Olongapo last October 11 and in a memorandum, the Philippine National Police (PNP) identified the suspect as Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton of the US Marine Corps 2nd Battalion 9th Marines.
It was stated in reports that Pemberton was positively identified by witness Mark 'Barbie' Clarence Gelviro through a photo line-up process. In his testimony, Mark said that he and Laude met Pemberton at the Ambyanz bar. He then later accompanied the pair to the Celzone Lodge in where he stayed with them for about 10 minutes in the rented room before he was told by Pemberton to leave.
Olongapo city Mayor Rolen Paulino stated at a press briefing that identification by witnesses are sufficient for the necessary charges to be filed against him, "Let's leave it for the court to decide if they will accept the evidence."
According to Yahoo PH, the 19-year old marine officer was initially held on a U.S. Navy warship at the Subic Bay Freeport, northwest of Manila, but was transferred to the Philippine military's main camp, where Filipino troops and two of his fellow Marines continue to guard him last Wednesday (October 22).
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr said, "At around 845 am today the AFP received Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton from the US authorities. Accompanied by US and Philippine officials, he was airlifted by an aircraft from his temporary detention facility onboard USS Peleliu that is docked in Subic"
Reports from local news states that Pemberton will be under the 'joint' custody of Filipino and American soldiers. The personnel of the US Marine Custodial Unit will post guards inside his detention cell while the military police personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will secure the outside perimeters of the facility," Catapang continued
Jeffrey 'Jennifer' Laude was said to be beaten up in a motel in Olongapo city with his head dunked into the toilet bowl after. Forensic experts said Laude suffered severe head injuries and body bruises. The autopsy report said he died of asphyxiation by drowning.
