U.S. Marine indicted in Okinawan woman's hotel killing

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 01:07 · Archive

A 20-year-old U.S. Marine has been indicted in the killing and robbery of a Japanese woman at a hotel in Okinawa.

Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, a 20-year-old U.S. Marine, has been indicted on a charge of robbery causing death. He is accused of killing 39-year-old Anna Yagi at a hotel in Naha, Okinawa. Prosecutors allege Ballard wrapped a telephone handset cord around Yagi's neck early on 3 October with intent to kill, then stole her backpack containing a wallet and other items. Ballard was arrested the day after the killing and has denied the allegations.

If convicted, Ballard faces the death penalty or life in prison. The case has increased scrutiny of U.S. military personnel conduct on Okinawa. Governor Denny Tamaki and the prefecture's assembly have demanded a review of the agreement governing U.S. military-connected personnel in Japan. The III Marine Expeditionary Force commander, Lieutenant General Benjamin Watson, imposed a 30-day midnight-to-5 a.m. curfew for U.S. troops on Okinawa through 8 November.

How it is being reported

• U.S. Marine indicted on charges in killing of Okinawan womanA 20-year-old U.S. Marine has been charged in the killing and robbing of a Japanese woman at a hotel in Okinawa.UPI · 26 Oct, 00:55
• U.S. Marine indicted in Okinawa robbery-murder caseAccording to the indictment and other sources, the suspect allegedly strangled the woman with a telephone cord in a hotel room in Naha.The Japan Times · 25 Oct, 08:26

In this story: Devin Jacob Ballard · Anna Yagi · Okinawa · Naha · III Marine Expeditionary Force

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