TOKYO, Japan — A 20-year-old US Marine has been arrested in Japan on suspicion of robbing and killing a woman at a hotel in Okinawa’s capital, Naha.
Okinawa police said Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, who is stationed at the US Marine Corps’ Futenma air station, was arrested after the alleged incident on Saturday.
Police said CCTV footage showed a man believed to be Ballard entering the hotel with 39-year-old Anna Yagi and later leaving alone, according to Kyodo news agency.
The suspect was later spotted walking alone in an entertainment district in Naha before being detained by police.
Investigators allege that the woman’s wallet and backpack were taken. Police also said she appeared to have been strangled.
The circumstances surrounding the woman’s death remain under investigation.
Okinawa Governor Condemns Incident
Okinawa Governor Genta Koja condemned the incident, saying it had caused further fear among residents living near US military bases.
“The case deals a major shock and adds fear to the Okinawans who have already been forced to live next to US bases,” Koja said.
He described the alleged killing as “absolutely unforgivable” and questioned the effectiveness of discipline and troop education among US service members stationed in the prefecture.
Residents in Okinawa have previously raised concerns over noise, pollution, and the conduct of US military personnel.
Japan Summons US Ambassador
The alleged killing has also triggered a diplomatic response from the Japanese government.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned US Ambassador to Japan George Glass following the incident.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said her government had demanded maximum cooperation from the United States and called for tougher discipline among US service members.
Glass said the allegations did not represent the values of the US Marine Corps.
“The criminal allegations in Okinawa do not represent the US Marine Corps’ core values of honour, courage, and commitment,” Glass said in a post on X.
He added that he was speaking with US military commanders about maintaining the highest standards of discipline and integrity among American service members.
Marine Corps Cooperates With Investigation
The US Marine Corps confirmed that Ballard is assigned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force and said it was cooperating fully with Japanese authorities.
“The Marine Corps takes these allegations very seriously and expects every marine to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour,” the service said.
The arrest comes amid longstanding tensions in Okinawa over the large US military presence.
Approximately 50,000 US troops are stationed in Japan under the two countries’ security alliance, with about half based in Okinawa.
Japanese authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and the allegations against the Marine.
