3 hrs ago
Japan Protests to US After Marine Arrested in Okinawa Murder
A woman was found dead at a hotel in Naha, Okinawa.
Police suspect a 20-year-old US Marine, Devin Jacob Ballard, killed her and took her belongings.
Ballard denies the allegations, and the police investigation is continuing.
Japan’s prime minister protested to the United States and asked for help with the investigation.
The US Embassy and Marine Corps said they were cooperating with Japanese authorities.
The Marine Corps said it takes the allegations seriously.
The incident may make discussions about US Marines based in Okinawa more difficult.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi protested to the United States after a US Marine was arrested on suspicion of robbery and murder in Okinawa.
Police suspect Devin Jacob Ballard killed Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel in Naha on Saturday and took her wallet and backpack.
Police said Ballard denied the allegations; he was in Japanese custody.
Takaichi called the incident extremely regrettable and sought US cooperation with the investigation and steps to prevent a recurrence.
The US Embassy and Marine Corps expressed condolences and said they were cooperating with Japanese authorities.
- Who
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, US Marine Devin Jacob Ballard, and Anna Yagi.
- What
- Japan protested after Ballard was arrested on suspicion of robbing and murdering Yagi; he denied the allegations.
- Where
- A hotel in Naha, Okinawa, Japan.
- When
- The suspected killing occurred on Saturday; Takaichi registered the protest on Sunday. The report is dated October 4.
- Why
- Takaichi sought US cooperation with the investigation, tighter discipline, and measures to prevent a recurrence.
Key facts
- Suspect
- Devin Jacob Ballard, 20; police said he denied the allegations.
- Victim
- Anna Yagi, 39.
- Location
- A hotel in Naha, Okinawa.
- Alleged items taken
- Yagi’s wallet and backpack.
- Suspect's assignment
- III Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.
- Japan's request
- Maximum cooperation with the investigation, tighter discipline, and measures to prevent recurrence.
- US response
- The US Embassy and Marine Corps expressed condolences and said they were cooperating with Japanese authorities.
- Okinawa Marine presence
- The article says most of the 18,000 Japan-based Marines are stationed in Okinawa.
Quotes
Sanae Takaichi
Japanese prime minister
““The government of Japan strongly protests to the US side and strongly seeks maximum cooperation with the investigation, as well as the tightening of discipline and thorough measures to prevent a recurrence.””
theprint.in
theprint.in
““The occurrence of such an extremely brutal and vicious incident is extremely regrettable,””
theprint.in
theprint.in
The Marine Corps
US military service branch commenting on the suspect and allegations
““The Marine Corps takes these allegations very seriously and expects every Marine to adhere to the highest standards of behavior,””
theprint.in
Sources
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