US Marine Devin Ballard Arrested in Okinawa Murder-Robbery of 39-Year-Old Woman
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Oct 4
US Marine Devin Ballard Arrested in Okinawa Murder-Robbery of 39-Year-Old Woman
3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Oct 4
Summary
Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, a Marine lance corporal based at Futenma, was arrested Sunday after 39-year-old Yagi Anna was found dead in a Naha hotel early Saturday.
Police suspect Ballard killed her by suffocation between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. and stole her wallet and other belongings; NHK said surveillance footage and abandoned items helped lead investigators to him.
Ballard was located late Saturday in Okinawa City, about 18 kilometers from the hotel, and denies killing Yagi; U.S. officials said they were cooperating but did not immediately confirm charges.
Japan lodged a strong protest with Washington, and officials including the foreign minister and Okinawa governor demanded tighter discipline for U.S. troops on the island, which hosts several American bases.