New Bedford Marine’s Trial Begins In A Philippine Court

The trial of a U.S. Marine from New Bedford charged with murdering a transgender Filipino has begun in a Philippine court.

A court official told the Associated Press that American escorts took Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton to a heavily guarded courtroom in Olongapo city, northwest of Manila, where the trial will be taking place.

During the trial government prosecutors presented their first witness, a hotel worker.

The witness identified Pemberton as having been with Jennifer Laude shortly before she was found dead in the bathroom of a hotel room last October.

Prosecutors say Laude and Pemberton went to the hotel after meeting in a bar.

Pemberton is being charged with murder, which means he could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted.