Pemberton to remain in AFP jail

MANILA, Philippines – US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton will remain in his detention cell at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters.

The Supreme Court (SC) dismissed with finality the petition of the family of slain transgender woman Jennifer Laude to have the American serviceman transferred to a regular jail following his conviction for homicide last December.

In a press conference, SC spokesman said the high court decided in full court session yesterday to dismiss with finality the appeal filed by the Laude family and instead affirmed its decision in November last year.

Pemberton has been reportedly detained at the expeditionary holding facility within the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board ground inside Camp Aguinaldo as an “interim extension”sub-facility while the AFP custodial center is being prepared for the US serviceman’s eventual detention.

Pemberton was convicted of homicide on Dec. 1, 2015 for the killing of 26-year-old Laude, who was found dead in a lodge in Olongapo City on Oct. 11, 2014. The lower court is expected to hand down its verdict on the American serviceman next month.