UPDATE::Philippine Government Charges U.S. Marine With Murder of Trans Woman | Advocate.com

U.S. Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton was formally charged with murder by the Phillipine government today for the death of 26-year-old trans Filipina woman Jennifer Laude, reports the Associated Press.

Earlier this week, the Philippine government completed its investigation into Laude's murder, partly relying on closed-circuit television footage, according to the New York Times. Pemberton's charges were successfully argued as "murder" by chief prosecutor Emiline de los Santos due to their aggravated violence, rather than the lesser charge of "homicide."

"There was aggravated treachery, abuse of superior strength, and cruelty," de los Santos explained to the Times. "You can see the cruelty she endured, the injries she sustained. We believe we have a strong case."

Pemberton, 19, now faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted. He will face the decision of a Phillipine judge, as there is no jury system in the Phillipines. He is currently being held in a modfied shipping container on a military base in Manila, guarded by both Phillipine and U.S. sentries.

Philippine Government Charges U.S. Marine With Murder of Trans Woman | Advocate.com