World · East Asia & Pacific · 4 hrs ago
Two men arrested over fatal robbery at Japanese confectionery shop
Police in Yamaguchi arrested two men over a fatal robbery at a confectionery shop that was also the owners’ home in Mine City.
The men, aged 27 and 26, are suspected of killing the 80-year-old owner and seriously injuring his 78-year-old wife.
Police say the attack happened between August 27 and 28, and that a safe was stolen.
The owner died from blood-loss shock, and his wife suffered fractures.
The couple’s son found them injured in a room on the ground floor on August 28.
Investigators say security camera footage helped lead them to the suspects, who knew each other and are believed to have travelled by car.
Police have not disclosed whether the men deny or admit the allegations, and say they currently see no evidence that an organized crime group was involved.
Police in Yamaguchi Prefecture arrested two men on October 25 on suspicion of killing a confectionery shop owner and attempting to kill his wife during a robbery.
The alleged attack took place at Saito Seika, a confectionery shop and home in Isa, Mine City, between the evening of August 27 and the evening of August 28.
The 80-year-old owner, Kazumasa Saito, died of hemorrhagic shock, and his 78-year-old wife was seriously injured.
Police allege the men struck the couple with a blunt object and stole a safe.
Police have not disclosed whether the men admit the allegations, citing concerns about the investigation.
- Who
- Two men, aged 27 and 26, were arrested. The victims were shop owner Kazumasa Saito and his 78-year-old wife.
- What
- Police allege the men killed Saito, injured his wife and stole a safe during a robbery.
- When
- The alleged crime took place between about 5:55 p.m. on August 27 and 5:55 p.m. on August 28. The men were arrested on October 25.
- Where
- Saito Seika, a confectionery shop and home in Isa, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
- Why
- Police allege the attack was a robbery; a further motive is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Police allege the two men entered the shop owner's home and attacked the couple, killing Saito and injuring his wife.
The couple were found bleeding in a first-floor Japanese-style room by their eldest son, who lived nearby.
Police arrested two men on suspicion of robbery-murder and attempted robbery-murder.
- Arrested men
- 27 and 26 years old
- Victim
- Kazumasa Saito, 80
- Injured victim
- Saito's wife, 78
- Location
- Saito Seika, Isa, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
- Alleged stolen item
- One safe