US marine arrested on suspicion of killing woman in Japan

A US marine has been arrested on suspicion of robbing and killing a woman in Japan.

Okinawa police said on Sunday that they had arrested Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, who was stationed at the Futenma air station, after the alleged killing at a hotel in Naha, the prefecture's capital city, on Saturday.

Police said CCTV footage showed a man believed to be the suspect entering the hotel with Anna Yagi, 39 - and leaving alone, Kyodo news agency reported.

He was spotted by an officer walking alone in the city's entertainment district late on Saturday before being detained.

The suspect allegedly took the victim's wallet and backpack, and she appeared to have been strangled, it is claimed.

Okinawa's governor Genta Koja said: "The case deals a major shock and adds fear to the Okinawans who have already been forced to live next to US bases.

"It is absolutely unforgivable and we are outraged.

"I must say, discipline and troop education are not working at all."

Residents have previously taken issue with noise, pollution and the conduct of personnel.

Approximately 50,000 US troops are stationed in Japan under a bilateral security pact, with around half of them in Okinawa.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said her government has demanded maximum co-operation from the US along with tougher discipline for its service members.

Foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned the US ambassador George Glass.

Mr Glass said in a post on X: "The criminal allegations in Okinawa do not represent the US Marine Corps' core values of honour, courage, and commitment.

"As I assured foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Okinawa governor Genta Koja yesterday, I am speaking with US military commanders this week about how we continue to hold our American service members to the very highest levels of discipline and integrity."

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The Marine Corps confirmed the suspect is assigned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force and that it is fully cooperating with Japanese authorities.

It added in a statement: "The Marine Corps takes these allegations very seriously and expects every marine to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour."

(c) Sky News 2026: US marine arrested on suspicion of killing woman in Japan