rki.news | Source: Xinhua
TOKYO, Oct. 4: Japan has lodged a strong protest with the United States following the arrest of a US Marine in Okinawa over the alleged robbery and murder of a local woman.
The 20-year-old Marine, identified as Devin Ballard, is stationed at the US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. He was arrested Sunday by Okinawa prefectural police on suspicion of killing a 39-year-old woman and taking her wallet and backpack at a hotel in Naha, local media reported.
According to Kyodo News, the suspect was seen entering the hotel with the woman, who was later found dead. He was subsequently detained by police in Naha’s entertainment district.
Japan’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi protested to US Ambassador George Glass and called for full cooperation with the investigation.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the incident as extremely regrettable and urged stronger discipline among US military personnel and measures to prevent similar cases.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi also called the incident unacceptable and said he was deeply outraged.
Crimes involving US military personnel have long been a concern in Okinawa. Official figures show local police handled more than 100 cases involving US service members and related personnel in 2025.
Japan Protests Alleged Robbery-Murder Involving US Marine
