@occonews: A U.S. Marine has been indicted in Japan over the killing and robbery of a 39-year-old woman at an Okinawa hotel. Naha prosecutors charged Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, with robbery causing death on October 25. Ballard was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The victim was Anna Yagi, 39. According to an indictment obtained by Stars and Stripes, prosecutors allege that Ballard wrapped a telephone handset cord around Yagi’s neck “with intent to kill” in the early hours of October 3, strangled her and took a backpack containing her wallet and other belongings. Okinawa police previously told CNN that Yagi was found unresponsive that morning and pronounced dead at the scene. Her cause of death was suffocation. Ballard was arrested the next day. Police said he denied the allegations when arrested. Some Japanese outlets later reported statements suggesting a degree of involvement, citing investigative sources. That is not equivalent to a guilty plea. The case has not been tried. The reporting reviewed does not establish whether the two knew each other or explain the full sequence of events inside the room. The theft allegation alone does not establish a proven motive for the killing. III Marine Expeditionary Force said it recognized the seriousness of the charges and would continue cooperating fully with Japanese authorities. The case has renewed anger over misconduct by U.S. personnel on Okinawa. The U.S. military imposed disciplinary measures and a monthlong curfew after the arrest. Japanese officials said discussions with the United States would examine whether existing patrols, curfews and off-base rules were working. The latest development is the October 25 indictment—not a newly committed killing.

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Monday 26 October 2026 11:11:57 GMT