US Marine admits to choking, but not killing, transgender Filipina

US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton (2-R), accused in the murder of transgender Jennifer Laude, is escorted from a courtroom in Olongapo city, Philippines on 24 March 2015. Department of Justice rejected the appeal by Pemberton to drop the murder charges against him in January 27, and his trial began March 23.

“I think I killed a he or she”, Rose said, quoting Pemberton.

Pemberton made the admission during the hearing on Laude’s murder at the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74.

During the sex act, Pemberton said, he reached down between Laude’s legs and discovered that his sex partner had a penis.

Harry Roque, lawyer of the victim, also posted on Twitter that the accused testified that “he restrained Jennifer through an “arm lock” until she stopped moving”.

“He then dragged her to (the) bathroom and dumped her”, Roque added.

Pemberton, who was 22 at the time, said Laude, 26, slapped him and caused him to respond “in defense”, Flores said.

Pemberton was on shore leave with some of his marine buddies from USS Peleliu after participating in the just concluded US-Philippines joint military exercises in Subic on October 11, 2014. “Jeffrey stopped moving. Joseph Scott Pemberton tried to revive him”, Flores added, saying Pemberton left Laude “alive in the bathroom”. Bars in Olongapo City that are usually filled with US marines are now empty.

Pemberton claims that he pushed away Laude but the latter retaliated by slapping him. He then left the room.

But the defense attorney said Pemberton has denied he told Rose that he killed her.

Media men are not allowed to enter the court room where Pemberton’s trial is being held, forcing them to rely on updates from those who are not barred from attending.

In May, a US serviceman, LCpl.

In May, Maritess Ombao, a pathologist and medico-legal officer of the Philippine National Police, told the court that Laude died from strangulation and asphyxia by drowning.

On Tuesday (August 25), the defense will present their last witness, well-known forensic expert Dr. Raquel Fortun.

His mother, Lisa Pemberton, took the stand a week ago, when lawyers said she identified letters from family friends and relatives attesting to his good character.

The judicial proceedings will proceed till December.