Okinawa-based US Marine indicted over alleged killing and theft
A US Marine stationed in Okinawa has been indicted over the alleged murder and robbery of a woman in Naha, a case that has renewed public anger about crimes involving US military personnel in Japan. The indictment says Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, strangled Anna Yagi, 39, with a telephone cord at a hotel on 3 October, then stole her backpack and wallet.
Ballard has reportedly denied the allegations, though Japanese media cited investigators saying he made statements suggesting involvement; security footage is said to show a man believed to be the suspect entering with Yagi and leaving alone with her belongings. Okinawa hosts around 55,000 US troops, and roughly 100 people protested in Naha and Tokyo this month. Japan’s prime minister has lodged a strong protest with the US and called for disciplinary action and measures to prevent further incidents.
In short
- A US Marine has been indicted over the alleged killing and robbery of a woman in Naha.
- The case has sparked protests and renewed anger in Okinawa.
- Japan’s government has protested and called for steps to prevent recurrence.
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Originally published by BBC World as “US Marine indicted for murder and robbery of woman in Japan”.