US Marine arrested over murder of woman in Okinawa, Japan

What the report says

A US Marine has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman was found dead in a hotel in Okinawa, Japan, according to local officials and BBC World News. Japanese authorities said the body was discovered early Saturday in a hotel in Naha City, the prefecture’s capital. The alleged suspect was identified by Japanese public broadcaster NHK as Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, who is stationed at US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The victim was identified as Yagi Anna, 39.

Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, called the case a “brutal and heinous” robbery and murder and said she had urged the United States to tighten discipline among its personnel. Japan’s defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, said the incident was deeply unacceptable and highlighted the concern such cases create for local residents. Okinawa’s governor also said repeated problems involving US forces had undermined confidence in discipline and prevention measures.

The Marine Corps said it was cooperating with Japanese authorities over allegations involving one of its service members and offered condolences to the victim’s family. The US Embassy in Tokyo said it was fully cooperating with police, while Japan’s foreign ministry summoned the US ambassador to discuss the case. Japan’s government also lodged a formal protest with the United States, demanding action from military officials. Okinawa hosts several US bases and a large American troop presence, which often makes incidents involving service members especially sensitive.