DOJ set to resolve Laude case

US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton (left) and Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to resolve the case involving the killing of Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude.

Laude was allegedly killed by United States Marines Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton in Olongapo City last October 11.

According to Olongapo City Chief Prosecutor Emilie Fe Delos Santos, the public prosecutors only have a period of 60 days within which to determine if there is probable cause to indict Pemberton.

Delos Santos said that they are meticulously studying the pieces of evidence and the documents of the case.

It is expected that the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office will issue the resolution on Dec. 15, 2014 when the 60-day period will lapse.

Delos Santos was also the one who resolved the rape case of US Marines Lance Corporal Daniel Smith wherein she ordered the filing in court of the rape case involving the victim “Nicole”.

Smith was convicted of rape by the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC), however, he was acquitted by the Court of Appeals (CA).