A police inspector says a complaint for murder has been filed in the Philippines accusing a US Marine of killing a transgender Filipino in a motel room.
Police Chief Inspector Gil Domingo said Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton was the last person seen with the victim late Saturday, when they checked into a motel after meeting in a disco bar in Olongapo city.
Jennifer Laude, whose former name was Jeffrey, was found with her head resting on the motel room’s toilet bowl, apparently after being drowned.
Domingo said the criminal complaint was filed Wednesday before government prosecutors, who would decide formal charges.
Pemberton took part in combat exercises between American and Filipino troops. He is being held on the USS Peleliu in the Subic Bay free port northwest of Manila.
