CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii -- Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, the suspect in the October 11 death of transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude in Subic Bay, Philippines, has been formally charged with murder by the Republic of the Philippines. Pemberton, 19, is an anti-tank missileman and was assigned at the time of this incident to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, N.C. He is a native of Bristol, Mass. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 2013 and joined 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines in January 2014. He was promoted to his current rank October 1 of this year. Pemberton was reassigned to Headquarters & Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific for the duration of the investigation and legal proceedings.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) opened the investigation into Laude’s death and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) became involved when evidence pointed to an American service member being the last person to be seen with Laude. The joint investigation provided enough evidence to formally charge Pemberton.
Pemberton is being held in a U.S. holding location aboard Camp Aguinaldo, the military headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Quezon City, where he will remain under guard by U.S. Marines. He will remain in the custody of the United States pursuant to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the Republic of the Philippines, and will remain in the Philippines during the judicial proceedings in accordance with the VFA.
The Marine Corps is working closely and cooperating fully with Philippine authorities to ensure a thorough investigation is completed and due process of law is followed. It is important to remember that anyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Note: The above information can be attributed to Col. Brad Bartelt, the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific spokesperson.