Three U.S. Navy ships have been cleared to leave Subic Bay in the Philippines, but the amphibious assault ship Peleliu will remain in port as local authorities continue to investigate whether a Marine killed a transgender woman, according to Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.
Police have charged Pfc. Joseph Pemberton with murder in connection with the Oct. 11 death of Jennifer Laude, who was previously named Jeffrey, Reuters reported. Philippine police believe the two met in a bar and then went to a hotel in Olongapo City, where Laude was later found dead. An autopsy determined that Laude drowned.
Pemberton is being held aboard the Peleliu along with three witnesses. Five Navy ships had been ordered to remain in port after the investigation began, but on Wednesday Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Locklear gave permission for the dock landing ship Germantown, the dry cargo ship Washington Chamber and the Joint High Speed Vessel to leave Subic Bay, said U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific spokesman Col. Brad Bartelt.
"The USS Peleliu will remain in port at this time; personnel still actively involved in the investigation remain on board," Bartelt said in a Wednesday news release. "The Marine Corps and Navy are cooperating fully with the Philippine authorities throughout the investigation, and will continue to ensure that a thorough investigation is completed and due process of law is followed."
Another dry cargo ship, USNS Sacagawea, had also been held in port, but left Subic Bay Thursday along with two other ships that were in the Philippines at the time, Stars and Stripes reported.
Pemberton is an anti-tank missileman who is currently serving with with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. He wrote on Facebook that he is from New Bedford, Mass., and he went to boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in August 2013. The Marine Corps has not released his service record.
