Overview
- Naha public prosecutors indicted Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard on Oct. 25 on a charge of robbery causing death for the Oct. 3 killing of 39‑year‑old Anna Yagi, saying the cause of death was suffocation.
- Prosecutors allege Ballard wrapped a hotel telephone handset cord around Yagi’s neck with intent to kill and stole her backpack containing a wallet and other items.
- Investigators cite hotel security footage that shows a man with tattoos and a backpack who matches Ballard, and police found the backpack near the hotel.
- Okinawa police say they located Ballard walking in the city later on Oct. 3 and arrested him the next day; he has denied the allegations and remains in Japanese custody.
- The case has led U.S. forces on Okinawa to impose curfews and alcohol and movement limits, prompted diplomatic protest from Tokyo, and intensified local calls to review the Status of Forces Agreement and troop liberty rules as the trial phase begins.