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A US Marine has been arrested in Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture on suspicion of killing a woman whose body was found at a hotel in Naha, Japanese officials said.
The Marine, identified as 20-year-old Devin Jacob Ballard, was arrested on Sunday, a day after the body of 39-year-old Yagi Anna was found at a hotel in Naha early Saturday.
According to Japan’s NHK, Ballard was stationed at the US Marine Corps’ Futenma base near Naha. Police said CCTV footage showed a foreign-looking man entering the hotel with the woman and later leaving with some of her belongings.
Police suspect Anna was killed between 2am and 4am on Saturday. Her wallet and other belongings were reportedly taken from the hotel. Ballard was later detained in an entertainment district in Okinawa City, about 18 kilometres from Naha.
Police said Anna died of suffocation after pressure was applied to her neck. Ballard has denied the murder allegation.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the incident as “extremely serious and reprehensible” and said Tokyo had lodged a strong protest with the United States.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry summoned US Ambassador George Glass on Sunday and urged Washington to strengthen discipline among US service members and take steps to prevent similar incidents.
Okinawa Governor Genta Koza also called for stricter discipline among US troops stationed in Japan.
The US Marine Corps’ III Marine Expeditionary Force said it was cooperating with Japanese authorities in the investigation and expressed condolences to the victim’s family. The US Embassy in Tokyo said it was working closely with Japanese and local authorities.
Thousands of US troops are stationed in Japan, with a large number based in Okinawa, where the presence and conduct of US forces have long been a source of local concern.