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U.S. Marine arrested on suspicion of killing Japanese woman in Okinawa - NBC News

Freddie Clayton

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A U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa has been arrested on suspicion of robbing and murdering a Japanese woman. The incident has prompted strong protests from the Japanese government and promises of cooperation from U.S. officials.

Why it matters

Crimes involving U.S. military personnel stationed abroad often strain diplomatic relations between the U.S. and host nations.

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A U.S. service member is in custody on suspicion of killing a Japanese national on the island of Okinawa. Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, is suspected of killing Anna Yagi, 39, in a hotel in Naha, the capital of the southernmost prefecture, on Saturday and taking her wallet and backpack, local police told the Reuters news agency. Ballard denied the allegations, police said. The Marine was stationed at Futenma Air Station on Okinawa Island, police said, adding that he was arrested at 1 a.m. local time Sunday. “An investigation is underway to determine the facts of the case, the United States is communicating and cooperating with the Government of Japan and local authorities,” the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo said Sunday on X. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the death as an alleged robbery and murder.

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