Japanese prosecutors have charged a US marine with murder and robbery following the death of a 39-year-old woman in Okinawa, a case that has sparked protests and renewed concerns about American military personnel in Japan.
According to The Guardian, citing Japanese broadcaster NHK, Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, is accused of strangling Anna Yagi at a hotel in Naha and stealing her backpack containing a wallet.
Ballard, a lance corporal stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, was arrested on October 4 and formally indicted on Sunday. He has reportedly denied the charges.
Investigators identified Ballard after reviewing surveillance footage showing a man entering a hotel room with a woman and later leaving with her belongings.
During initial questioning, Ballard reportedly told police: “I don’t know anything about it,” although NHK said he later made statements suggesting possible involvement.
Yagi’s family expressed grief following the indictment.
“She lost her life at the young age of 39. She … wanted to live much, much longer,” the family said.
The case has triggered demonstrations in Okinawa and Tokyo, prompting US military authorities to introduce a curfew and alcohol restrictions for personnel stationed on the island.
Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi condemned the incident, saying crimes involving US military personnel cause serious anxiety among local communities.
The case has renewed scrutiny of the American military presence in Okinawa.
