Investigator, bar manager testify versus Pemberton in Jeffrey Laude slay case

The prosecution panel presented two witnesses against US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton during the continuation of the trial of his murder case for the death of Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude at the Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 74.

A report on GMA News TV's "Balitanghali" said on Tuesday that the PNP official was an investigator of the case and the manager was the one handling Ambiance bar where Pemberton and Laude first met.   

After his absence yesterday, Pemberton was present during the trial after the RTC required him to attend the hearings.

The prosecution panel is also going to present three Red Cross members who first went to Celzone Lodge where Laude was found dead inside a comfort room on the night the victim went out with Pemberton on October 11, 2014.

The prosecution will present a total of 27 witnesses, while the defense has seven only. Both panels have also been warned to avoid giving interviews and information regarding the case.

The hearings are set to be done before the year ends. —Trisha Macas/NB, GMA News