A 20-year-old US Marine stationed in Japan has been formally charged with robbing and murdering a woman in Okinawa earlier this month, according to local media reports on Sunday.
The suspect, identified as Devin Ballard, was indicted in connection with the October 3 killing at a hotel in Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan’s Kyodo News agency reported.
Prosecutors allege that Ballard, who was stationed at Futenma Air Base, killed the woman by wrapping a telephone cord around her neck.
Police reportedly located Ballard walking alone in Okinawa city late on October 3 and arrested him the following day on suspicion of robbery and murder.
The case has intensified longstanding concerns among Okinawa residents about crimes involving American military personnel stationed on the island.
Okinawa Governor Genta Koja urged Japan’s central government to introduce stronger preventive measures following the incident.
Local communities have previously raised concerns over offences involving US service members, including crimes against women and girls, as well as noise and environmental pollution associated with military installations.
The latest allegations have renewed scrutiny of the conduct of American troops stationed in the prefecture.
The Japanese government lodged a formal protest with the United States over the killing.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi condemned the incident, describing it as a “heinous crime.”
Tokyo also called on Washington to cooperate “fully” with the investigation and ensure stricter discipline among American military personnel serving in Japan.
Following Ballard’s arrest, US military authorities in Okinawa imposed a 30-day curfew beginning October 9.
The restrictions prohibit military personnel from leaving their bases between midnight and 5am.
Japanese and American officials have also initiated discussions on additional preventive measures aimed at reducing misconduct involving US service members.
These discussions include reviewing the effectiveness of the US military’s “liberty policy,” which regulates personnel conduct outside military installations.
The two governments are also examining joint patrols involving US military personnel and Japanese police.
The criminal proceedings against Ballard will continue as Japanese authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.