Crime & Justice
US Marine indicted over murder and robbery of woman in Okinawa
October 26, 2026 at 03:00 PM
Coverage
3 reports · over 11 hours
BNBBC News
US Marine indicted for murder and robbery of woman in Japan
(opens the publisher’s site)
TGThe Guardian
Japanese prosecutors charge US marine suspected of robbing and killing woman
(opens the publisher’s site)
CNCNN
US Marine indicted over alleged murder of woman in Okinawa
(opens the publisher’s site)Japanese prosecutors have indicted a US Marine for strangling and robbing a woman in Okinawa, a case that has renewed anger over US troop conduct.
- Prosecutors indicted Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, on suspicion of strangling Anna Yagi, 39, with a telephone cord and stealing her backpack and wallet on 3 October.
- Ballard has denied the charges, Okinawa police said.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said her government registered a strong protest with the US and demanded strict disciplinary action and measures to prevent recurrence.
- Following Ballard's arrest, US troops in Okinawa were placed under a monthlong curfew and required to complete discipline training.