Pemberton a no-show at Laude murder trial

OLONGAPO CITY – US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton failed to show up at his trial for the murder of transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude at Olongapo City Regional Trail Court Branch 74 yesterday.

It is the first time that the 19-year-old did not appear since the trial started last March 23.

The court had earlier granted Pemberton’s motion to waive appearances during the trial, except in instances when his presence is needed.

During the trial yesterday, the prosecution presented its third witness, Jacinto Miraflor, an internal security at Celzone Lodge where Laude was found dead hours after checking in with Pemberton on Oct. 11, 2014. The trial started at 1:30 p.m. Tomorrow Miraflor will continue his testimony, along with Olongapo City Red Cross personnel who tried to give first aid to Laude.

Celzone Lodge cashier Elias Gallamos had earlier identified Pemberton as Laude’s companion when they checked in at the motel, and that no other person entered the room until Laude was found dead.

Prosecutors presented as key witness Mark Clarence “Barbie” Caguioa Gelviro, another transgender and a friend of Laude.

Gelviro identified Pemberton as the last person seen with Laude when he left them at Celzone Lodge on the night the murder took place, according to private prosecutor Virgie Suarez.

Pemberton’s absence cannot affect today’s trial because Barbie has already identified him, she added.

Miraflor’s statement will be collaborative with that of Gelviro and will strengthen the prosecution’s case against Pemberton, Suarez said.

Reporters attending the media briefing after the trial were not given details on the defense cross-examination of witnesses.

Media were not allowed inside the courtroom during trial.

The prosecution and defense agreed to a two-day continuous trial every Monday and Tuesday, starting March 23 and ending on Sept. 22.