United States Marine indicted over killing of Japanese woman in Okinawa

A 20-year-old United States Marine has been charged in the killing and robbery of a Japanese woman at a hotel in Okinawa, UPI reported. Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard was indicted on Sunday on a charge of robbery causing death following the killing of 39-year-old Anna Yagi, according to an indictment provided by the Naha Public Prosecutors Office. [1]

Prosecutors allege that Ballard wrapped a telephone handset cord around the neck of Yagi early on October 3 with the intent to kill her, UPI reported. According to prosecutors, Ballard killed Yagi and stole her backpack, which contained a wallet and other items. [1]

Ballard has denied the allegations against him, UPI reported. The Okinawa Prefectural Police stated that he was arrested on October 4, the day after the incident occurred. [1]

The United States Marine Corps is the naval infantry service branch of the United States Armed Forces and operates as part of the United States Department of Defense. Previous crimes involving military personnel in the region include the 1995 Okinawa incident, in which three American servicemen abducted and assaulted a 12-year-old girl. [2][3]