Jennifer Laude: Another Transgender Woman Slain, US Marine Admits He Did Something Wrong

MANILA, Philippines – The suspect in the death of a Filipino transgender in Olongapo City allegedly admitted to authorities that he had done “something wrong” upon initial investigation, a local authorities said on Tuesday, October 14.

“He said, ‘I did something wrong,’”

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino stated in an interview on DZBB, while fielding questions on the US marine suspected of murdering 26-year-old Jeffrey Laude, also known as Jennifer, in a lodging house in the city on October 11.

Paulino stated two used condoms were recovered from the room in Celzone Lodge where Laude was found dead, and that Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) are still confirming if these belonged to Laude and the suspect.

He revealed Laude died from drowning, based on the presence of water found in the lungs of the victim whose face, the authorities added, was swolen.

Olongapo mayor confirmed that Laude did not have gender reassignment surgery, but had breast implants.

According to media report, authorities have identified the suspect as PFC Joseph Scott Pemberton.

“The suspected Marine is assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He is being held onboard USS Peleliu while a joint Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Philippine National Police investigation is conducted,” the embassy said.

It also expressed condolences to the family and friends of Laude.

“The United States will continue to fully cooperate with Philippine law enforcement authorities in every aspect of the investigation.”