Joseph Scott Pemberton, a U.S. Marine, was formally charged with murder today for the fatal strangulation of 26-year-old Jennifer Laude Sueselbeck, a transgender Filipina woman.
The crime was allegedly committed while Pemberton was stationed in the Philippines for Marine training exercises. Military sources had concealed Pemberton's name until he was formally charged today.
Earlier this week, Filipino human rights advocates and elected officials demanded Pemberton be turned over to local Philippine authorities, but Reuters reported yesterday that he would remain in U.S. custody. The decision was disparaged by Filipino human rights activists.
"Under the Visiting Forces Agreement, the custody of the erring soldiers stays with Americans," Philippine General Gregorio Catapang said in a statement yesterday after meeting with U.S. Pacific Command officials. However, the Philippines still have criminal jurisdiction and could try the suspect in local courts, Catapang noted.
U.S. Marine Charged with Murder of Trans Filipina Woman | Advocate.com
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