On the 4th local time, regarding the suspected murder case of US military personnel stationed in Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Yukie Akamine posted a statement on social media, saying, "We express our condolences to the victims and offer our deep sympathy to their families."
Regarding this case, the Okinawa County police are still continuing their investigation. It is reported that one American Marine has been arrested.
"Such a cruel and barbaric case occurred, leading to deep regret. The Japanese government has strongly protested to the United States and demanded maximum cooperation in the investigation. We urge the United States to take disciplinary action against US military personnel and prevent similar incidents from occurring again." He said.
In the early morning of the 3rd, a female body was discovered in a hotel in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture. On the 4th, Devon Barad, a Marine Corps member belonging to the US Army Base Pekinjima, was arrested on suspicion of robbery and homicide. He is 20 years old.
For a long time, there have been frequent criminal incidents involving U.S. troops stationed in Japan, including violent crimes such as rape, murder, and robbery. According to Kyodo News, this case is likely to further fuel anti-U.S. base sentiment locally.
Japanese Defense Minister Yukio Keya said on the 4th that this matter is "intolerable and absolutely unacceptable," and expressed "strong indignation" over it. He revealed that the Japanese Ministry of Defense has already protested this matter to the US side.
The U.S. Embassy in Japan posted a statement on social media, expressing “deep condolences” to the families of those who were killed in this incident. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Douglas stated that he has conveyed the U.S.’ intention to fully cooperate with the investigation to the Governor of Okinawa and the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
