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US Marine indicted for allegedly robbing and murdering woman in Okinawa
New York Post • • general
Key Points:
- Japanese prosecutors have indicted US Marine Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard on charges of robbery and murder related to the death of 39-year-old Anna Yagi in Okinawa's capital, Naha.
- Ballard, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, allegedly strangled Yagi with a telephone cord and stole a backpack containing a wallet; he denies the allegations.
- The incident has sparked protests in Okinawa and Tokyo, leading to a curfew and alcohol ban for US soldiers stationed on the island.
- The case has intensified longstanding tensions over the US military presence in Okinawa, a strategic location near Taiwan and China.
- The III Marine Expeditionary Force has acknowledged the indictment and pledged full cooperation with Japanese authorities during the ongoing investigation.
