( CNN ) -- A U.S. Marine was being held Monday on a warship after the slaying of a transgender woman in the Philippines . Because no charges have yet been filed , officials have not identified the Marine , who is assigned to 2nd Battalion , 9th Marines , out of Camp Lejeune , North Carolina . `` The Marine Corps is working closely and cooperating fully with the Philippine National Police to ensure a thorough investigation is completed and due process of law is followed , '' Col. Brad Bartelt , spokesman with the U.S. Marine Corps Forces , Pacific , said in a statement . A State Department spokesperson identified the deceased as Jeffrey Laude , also known as Jennifer . Her body , which showed signs of strangulation , was found shortly before midnight Saturday , according to Marine Corps Times . Three other Marines from the same unit as the Marine being detained have been identified as potential witnesses , the newspaper reported , citing an internal Navy memo on the incident . They are also being held .
A spokesperson identifies the deceased as Jeffrey Laude , also known as Jennifer . The cause of death is listed as a gunshot wound to the head and an apparent suicide. A U.S. Marine is being held on a warship ; an investigation in under way .