Police officers and a police automotive are seen exterior a lodge in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. /CMG
A 20-year-old US Marine stationed in Japan’s southernmost prefecture of Okinawa was arrested by native police on Sunday on suspicion of robbing and murdering a lady, in line with native media stories.
Davin Ballard, stationed at US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, is being accused of killing a 39-year-old native lady and taking her pockets and backpack within the early hours of Saturday at a lodge in Naha, Kyodo News reported, citing Okinawa prefectural police.
The suspect was seen coming into the lodge with the girl, who was discovered useless on Saturday morning. He was noticed, questioned and detained by a police officer on a road in Naha’s leisure district late Saturday, the report mentioned.
Ballard has denied the allegations, in line with the report. Police are investigating the small print of the case.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi mentioned in a social media publish on Sunday that “it is deeply regrettable that such an extremely brutal and heinous incident occurred.” She mentioned the Japanese authorities has lodged a robust protest with the US facet, whereas strongly demanding most cooperation with the investigation, strict navy self-discipline and thorough measures to stop any recurrence of comparable incidents.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi additionally mentioned on Sunday that the incident was “intolerable and absolutely unacceptable,” expressing “strong indignation” over the case. He mentioned the Defense Ministry had lodged a protest with the US facet.
Japan’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi lodged a protest on Sunday with US Ambassador to Japan George Glass over the case, the Foreign Ministry mentioned.
The US Embassy in Japan mentioned in a social media publish on Sunday that it prolonged “deep condolences” to the household of the sufferer. Glass mentioned he had conveyed to the Okinawa governor and Japan’s Foreign Ministry the US facet’s intention to totally cooperate with the investigation. The III Marine Expeditionary Force, headquartered in Uruma, Okinawa, additionally issued a press release on Sunday, expressing condolences to the sufferer’s household and associates.
Crimes dedicated by US navy personnel stationed in Okinawa, together with grave offenses similar to homicide, rape and theft, have lengthy been a critical and chronic subject.
Official statistics present that in 2025 alone, native police dealt with greater than 100 felony circumstances involving US service members and associated personnel.
(With enter from Xinhua)
Source: CGTN