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Japanese prosecutors charge US marine suspected of robbing and killing woman
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Devin Jacob Ballard, a 20-year-old US marine stationed in Okinawa, has been formally charged with the murder and robbery of 39-year-old Anna Yagi, who was found strangled in a hotel room.
- Ballard was arrested after surveillance footage showed a man matching his description leaving the scene with Yagi’s belongings; he has denied involvement but made statements hinting at partial responsibility.
- The killing sparked protests in Okinawa and Tokyo, leading to a curfew and alcohol ban for US military personnel stationed in Okinawa, where most US troops in Japan are based.
- Crimes by US troops in Japan have historically strained US-Japan relations, with previous cases of assault, rape, and drunk-driving prompting legal action and military restrictions.
- Japan’s defense minister emphasized the need to prevent incidents involving US military personnel, acknowledging the anxiety such events cause in local communities.
