US Marine indicted for murder and robbery of woman in Japan
Summary
Japanese prosecutors indicted U.S. Marine Devin Jacob Ballard in connection with the alleged murder and robbery of Anna Yagi in Naha, Okinawa, on 3 October. The case has prompted protests and renewed calls for action over crimes involving U.S. military personnel in Okinawa.Key Facts
- Ballard, 20, was stationed at U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.
- Prosecutors allege Ballard strangled Yagi, 39, with a telephone cord and took her backpack and wallet.
- Ballard was arrested on suspicion of killing Yagi at a hotel in Naha.
- Media reports said Ballard denied the allegations, while investigators told Japanese news outlets that some of his statements suggested involvement.
- Security footage reportedly shows a man believed to be the suspect entering the hotel with Yagi and leaving alone with her belongings.
- About 55,000 U.S. service members are stationed in Japan, with Okinawa hosting the largest concentration.
- Around 100 people protested in Naha and Tokyo earlier this month.
- Okinawa Governor Genta Koja and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called for measures to prevent similar incidents; Takaichi said Japan had lodged a strong protest with the United States.
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