Protesters in Okinawa after alleged murder of Japanese woman. (Reuters Photo)
Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, is suspected of killing Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel in Naha, the capital of Okinawa, on Saturday. Local media reported that around 200 police officers were involved in the search for Ballard after CCTV showed him entering the hotel with Yagi. Okinawa, located about 100 km from Taiwan at its closest point, is considered strategically important by Japan and the US for deterring potential Chinese military action in the region.
Police said Ballard allegedly took the woman’s wallet and backpack. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the killing as “extremely brutal and heinous” and said Tokyo had strongly protested to the US over the incident. Police said Yagi died of asphyxiation after Ballard allegedly pressed on her neck, according to Stars and Stripes.
He has dismissed the allegations. Hotel staff found her unconscious in her room after she failed to check out. The latest incident could also complicate efforts to relocate some Marines from the crowded Futenma air base to a facility at Henoko.