A Marine out of Camp LeJeune is reportedly in custody aboard the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) after being identified as a suspect in the apparent murder of a transgender Filipino.
The USS Peleliu has been docked at Subic Bay taking part in a military exercise with the Philippines. The Marine is assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, according to the Marine Corps Times.
The victim has been identified as 26-year-old Jeffrey Laude. Laude’s body was found at the Celzone Lodge in Olangapo City just before midnight Saturday and showed signs of strangulation.
The Marine, who has not been identified, is being held on the Peleliu while Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents piece together what happened.
Admiral Samuel Locklear, Commander U.S. Pacific Command, has ordered the Peleliu and another ship to remain in Subic Bay until after the investigation is over.
