US Marine admits choking Filipina trans woman to death

Joseph Scott Pemberton made the admission on Monday in the course of the listening to on Jennifer Laude’s homicide in Olongapo Metropolis, simply outdoors the previous US naval base in Subic, in response to native information reviews.

Harry Roque, a lawyer representing the victim’s family at the trial, said the US marine testified he held Laude in an “arm lock” until he stopped moving.

At this point Laude slapped Pemberton, which prompted the U.S marine to punch Laude and choke her before dragging her to the restroom.

He said he retaliated by putting his hand in Laude’s neck, choking the victim.

She quoted Pemberton as saying “I felt like I was raped by Laude”.

He then dragged her body to the bathroom and tried to pour water on Laude to revive her.

Court sources say part of Pemberton’s testimony indicated he had oral sex twice in the room with another “woman”, one in stand up position and another lying down before he had oral sex with Laude.

The trial is closed to the press and court officials do not comment on details.

A Filipino investigator had testified final Might that the sufferer died on account of strangulation and asphyxia by drowning.

The case has gained worldwide attention as the Philippines and the US seek closer military ties to counter China’s territorial claims and expansion in the South China Sea.

Pemberton is now detained at the JUSMAG facility inside the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

He met Laude at the Ambyanz Nightlife Bar along Magsaysay Avenue and they were later seen checking in together at the nearby Celzone Lodge.

Pemberton is accused of killing Laude, who was found dead in a bathroom of a motel in Olongapo City.

The defense is also expected to rest their case after they present their last witness.