Pemberton asks DOJ to downgrade charge to homicide

MANILA, Philippines - US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton, the suspect in the killing transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude, on Monday filed a motion to downgrade the case from murder to homicide.

Pemberton's lawyers earlier asked for suspension of the proceedings while waiting for the Department of Justice's ruling to have the case reinvestigated.

READ: Pemberton seeks downgrade of raps

The lawyers of the victim's family, meanwhile, insisted that the suspect should not receive special treatment and should be arraigned immediately.

Pemberton seeks DOJ reinvestigation on #JenniferLaude case, dismissal of murder charge in 33-page motion | @edupunay

— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) December 22, 2014

Harry Roque, one of Laude family's lawyers, said that he is confident that their case is strong.

On the other hand, Olongapo City prosecutor Emily de los Santos filed a motion to inhibit Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Judge Roline Ginez-Jabalde, a classmate of Pemberton counsel Rowena Flores in law school.

During a press conference, Roque noted that the attachment of the judge and the prosecutor will not affect the case.

"We would like to clarify and reiterate na kahit sinong judge okay lang sa amin para lang tumakbo itong kaso na ito," Laude family lawyer Virgie Suarez told the press.

Roque further insisted that the media should cover the trial.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines recently increased security around the US-controlled facility at Camp Aguinaldo where Pemberton is currently detained.

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