Pemberton pre-trial starts

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines  – The pre-trial hearing on a murder case involving US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton starts today.

The trial includes presentation of facts and identification of witnesses in the murder of Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude on Oct. 11, 2014.

Plea bargaining may also be discussed, but the Laude family had earlier opposed it.

Pemberton was arraigned last Feb. 23 but did not enter a plea, prompting the court here to plead not guilty on his behalf.

During the arraignment, his lawyers asked for a postponement of the proceedings and questioned his indictment and the finding of probable cause by the Department of Justice.

Judge Roline Ginez-Jabalde rejected the request upon opposition of the prosecution and considering the one-year prescription period under the Visiting Forces Agreement.

Pemberton and Laude met at the Ambyanz Nightlife Bar along Magsaysay Drive in Olongapo City.

They later checked in at nearby Celzone Lodge where Laude was found dead.