Pemberton admits strangling, killing Laude

MANILA, Philippines - United States Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton on Monday admitted to strangling and killing Filipino transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude.

According to a report from the STAR, Pemberton appeared before the Regional Trial Court Branch 74 and took the stand as a witness for the defense. He cited self defense for committing the crime.

Lawyer Harry Roque, one of the counsels of the Laude family, said during a press briefing that Pemberton narrated how he killed the Filipino transgender.

Pemberton told the court that he and Laude were performing oral sex when he discovered that the latter had a penis. The US Marine then pushed Laude back, Roque said.

“Pemberton told the court he thought Laude just lost consciousness after he strangled her, which he considered an act of self defense,” Roque told members of the press.

The US Marine also told the court that he brought Laude to the comfort room to pour water in an attempt of awakening him.

Pemberton was not able to find water and decided to leave Laude at the comfort room.

A US serviceman earlier testified in court that Pemberton admitted choking Laude after checking into a motel in Olongapo City in October last year. - Patricia Lourdes Viray

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