The court has entered a not guilty plea for the U.S. Marine who was charged with murder for killing a transgender Filipino woman, The Guardian reports.
Marine Pfc Joseph Scott Pemberton refused to enter a plea in court at Olongapo, north of Manilla on Monday. Pemberton killed Jennifer Laude last October after discovering she was a born a male. The two met while Pemberton was hanging with friends at a disco bar. Pemberton separated from his friends and headed to a motel with Laude. After finding out she was transgender, Pemberton choked Laude and dragged her into the motel bathroom, where he drowned her in the toilet. The 19-year-old was charged with murder in December.
Pemberton later returned to his naval base and told Marine Lance Corporal Jairn Michael Rose that he killed Laude.
“I think I killed a he/she,” Pemberton was quoted as having told Rose.
“Finally justice can be attained for our sibling,” Marilou Laude, the victim’s sister, told reporters, adding she was shaking in anger when she saw the handcuffed suspect guarded by several escorts in the courtroom.
Since his arrest, LGBT groups have advocated for Laude and hope Pemberton is convicted of a hate crime. Protesters are also hoping the country gets rid of the U.S. military presence in the Philippines.
Pemberton is a former boxer and anti-tank missile man who was born and raised in Bristol, Massachusetts. Prosecutor Emilie de los Santos previously stated there was probably cause behind his actions.
“It’s murder,” de los Santos told reporters after filing the charge against Pemberton before a regional court. “It was aggravated by treachery, abuse of superior strength and cruelty.”
Laude’s family says the trial is set to go to court next month.
SOURCE: The Guardian | PHOTO CREDIT: Handout
