Countdown to Wrongful Conviction Day: Friday, October 2, 2105; 2 days. For information: http://www.aidwyc.org/wcd-2015/
"As the arduous trial of accused
murderer US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton nears its end,
the summations made before the court by the prosecution and defense
were so far apart that many observers are puzzled at how the judge will
rule the killing of transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude. Last September 17, the two legal camps gave their summations
and submitted their memorandums to Judge Roline Ginez Jabalde of the
Olongapo City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 74. Yet after the legal
teams left the court, both camps raised more questions before media. Here is a taste:
Who owns the necklace? In Pemberton’s defense, Atty. Benjamin Tolosa Jr. begged the question: “Who owns the necklace?” Citing
the US Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) investigation
report, Tolosa told the court that agents found a necklace that was
being clutched by Laude when he was found dead with his head on the
toilet bowl of the room in Celzone Lodge. Tolosa said the necklace was neither owned by Pemberton or
Laude, suggesting that there was another person who saw Laude before
authorities came and investigated the crime scene. Tolosa
said that the records of the case are replete with evidence that “a
third party” killed Laude. The lawyer also said that the police “only
targeted our client and did not investigate other people.”
"Who took the money?" Another
part of the summation of the defense is the claim that Laude was
missing P20,000 in cash. It was learned during the earlier investigation
that Laude had P20,000 in cash with him when he entered the motel room
with Pemberton. After authorities checked the belongings of the victim, they did not find that amount of money. “Had
they (police) investigated other people, it would be clear from the
very start that our client did not kill Laude, that another person
killed Laude,” Tolosa said.
"Third party?" Another
revelation made by the defense panel is the presence of DNA of another
person found in Laude’s neck. The NCIS’ report stated that investigators
found DNA on the victim’s neck that did not match that of Pemberton’s. Pemberton’s other legal counsel, Atty. Rowena Flores, said:
“It is the only logical conclusion we said during summation that
Pemberton should be acquitted. Dapat they proved it when they presented
evidence.” “They failed to look into it. Hopefully he will be acquitted,” Flores added. (Go to the link for the remaining questions cited by the Manila Bulletin. HL);