US Marine indicted for murder of woman in Okinawa
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 11:19 · Archive
A US Marine has been indicted on murder and robbery charges over the killing of a Japanese woman in Okinawa.
Japanese prosecutors indicted Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard on charges of murder and robbery on 25 October. Ballard, 20, is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa. He is accused of strangling Anna Yagi, 39, with a telephone cord in a hotel in Naha, the prefectural capital, on 3 October, and stealing a backpack containing her wallet and other belongings.
When arrested, Ballard denied the allegations but has since made statements implying some involvement in the case, according to media reports citing investigative sources. The III Marine Expeditionary Force said it recognized 'the seriousness of the charges' and would continue cooperating with Japanese authorities.
The case has triggered significant public anger in Japan. The nation's premier condemned it as a 'heinous crime', and protests occurred in Okinawa and Tokyo. Japanese authorities have imposed a curfew and alcohol ban for US soldiers stationed in Okinawa. The killing has reignited longstanding controversy over the heavy US military presence on the southern island, which has experienced multiple crimes by US military personnel over the years.
How it is being reported
- US Marine indicted for allegedly robbing and murdering woman in OkinawaJapanese prosecutors have indicted US Marine Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard on robbery and murder charges over the death of Anna Yagi in Okinawa.New York Post · 26 Oct, 11:02
- Japan indicts U.S. Marine on murder charge over woman's killingPolice arrested Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, on suspicion of strangling Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel.CBS News · 26 Oct, 10:25
In this story: Devin Jacob Ballard · Anna Yagi · Okinawa · Naha · Marine Corps Air Station Futenma
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem
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