Transgender Allegedly Murdered By a U.S. Marine

"Justice for Jeffrey Laude!" This is what the angry family and friends of the transgender found dead in Olongapo City cries for. Jeffrey Laude or also known as Jennifer Uganda was last seen fleeing from the disco bar Ambyanz Night Life together with a US Marine, as captured by premises' CCTV. The two was said to have checked in at Celzone lodge which is a walking distance from the bar and is where Laude was found dead.

Photo Credit: Facebook

The local police investigation is still ongoing. However, Marine Corps Times and Navy Times (two US based independent news and information sources) reported that one U.S. Marine, together with three other possible witnesses, are in custody last Sunday following the apparent killing of Laude. The Marine's identity was not disclosed and is being held on board the amphibious assault ship Peleliu. This is while agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are conducting their investigation on what happened last Saturday night at the Celzone Lodge in Olongapo City.

Michelle Laude, Jeffrey's sister, and some friends were with Jeffrey at the bar last Saturday night but said she has not seen Jeffrey being with other company. One of Jeffrey's friends though said that they met 4 foreigners at the bar. Not long after that, they left the bar and Jeffrey together with one of the foreigners checked in at a lodge nearby. Around 11:45 pm, the foreigner left, according to the lodge's staff. Soon after, the staff discovered Laude’s body in the toilet which apparently showed signs of strangulation.

The police are looking at two theories for the murder. First, the foreigner might be dismayed to know that Jeffrey is not a real woman. Second, it could be that Jeffrey tried to steal valuables from the suspect. However, according to Jeffrey's family, Jeffrey has a German fiance who sends him money every month.

The amphibious assault ship Peleliu is seen in Subic Bay, Philippines. Photo Credit: Marine Corpse Times

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy confirms:

A U.S. Marine has been identified as a possible suspect in the ongoing investigation. The United States Embassy in Manila expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jeffrey Laude. The United States will continue to fully cooperate with Philippines Law Enforcement authorities in every aspect of the investigation.

The USS Peleliu is being locked down and is not given permission to leave, where the suspect is detained, so are the other US Navy ships.

Watch the full report here:

Source(s): GMA News Youtube Channel, Marine Corps Times, Navy Times