OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines – US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, who was charged with murder for the killing of Filipino transgender Jeffrey ”Jennifer” Laude, appeared at the regional trial court (RTC) here yesterday for the pre-trial conference.
Pemberton attended the pre-trial despite the court granting his motion to allow his lawyer represent him, except if his presence is needed.
After the stipulation of facts and identification of witnesses, Olongapo City RTC Branch 74 Judge Roline Ginez-Jabalde set the start of the trial on March 23.
A second pre-trial is set on March 10.
The prosecution identified 27 witnesses and evidences while the defense came up with 11.
Pemberton was arraigned on Feb. 23, but did not enter a plea, prompting the court to plead not guilty on his behalf. Prosecution lawyers said Pemberton refused to enter any plea because he would elevate the case to the Court of Appeals to reduce the charge to homicide.
In yesterday’s pre-trial conference, private prosecutors protested the move by Olongapo City prosecutor Emilie Fe de los Santos to block their effort to present evidence against Pemberton. – With Edu Punay, Ric Sapnu