Philippines: US ‘will ensure justice is served’ after Marine charged with murder of trans woman
The US Military says it will comply with a subpoena, after a Marine was charged with the murder of a transgender woman.
26-year-old Jennifer Laude was found strangled on Saturday night, naked with her head in the toilet.
US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton – who was one of hundreds of US marines in the area for a training exercise – was formally charged on Wednesday of the woman’s murder.
The Philippines has since issued a subpoena, calling the Marine and four military witnesses to a court hearing next week.
A statement said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs today served the subpoena and complaint against Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton for the murder of [Jennifer] Laude.”
US Embassy spokeswoman Anna Richey said: “The United States will continue to assist in the investigation to help ensure justice is served.
“This will include making the suspect, witnesses, and any evidence gathered available to the Philippine authorities.”
Police say Ms Laude died from “asphyxia by drowning”.
Ms Laude’s fiancé Marc Sueselbeck said previously: “Jennifer was the most true, hopeful, and life-hungry person I ever met in all my life.
“People like Jennifer will never get a fair chance in your country, and she is just one of thousands, maybe millions in your country sharing the same destiny of your countrymen.
“To make it clear: this horrible act has two reasons.
“The animalistic bestiality of an obvious sick and retarded bloodthirsty American soldier who has no respect at all from human life as also especially not from Philippine people, but as well in your own society and corrupt politics.”
