US Marine Arrested in Japan on Suspicion of Killing Local Woman

A US Marine was arrested in Japan on suspicion of killing a woman and stealing her belongings. Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballad, 20, is suspected of killing Anna Yagi, 39, early Saturday at the Naminoue Crystal Hotel in Okinawa, according to a local police spokesperson. Ballad, who is assigned to the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, was allegedly seen on security footage entering the hotel with Yagi but leaving alone sometime later. A hotel employee entered the room after the pair failed to check out on time and found Yagi unconscious. Police allege that Ballad stole Yagi’s wallet and backpack and killed her sometime between 2:10 a.m. and 4:17 a.m. Saturday. Ballad was detained and questioned by police after he was spotted walking in an Okinawa city nightlife district and arrested on Sunday. Police expect to refer the case to the Naha Public Prosecutors Office within 48 hours of his arrest, as Ballad remained in custody. The US Marine Corps is cooperating with Japanese authorities in response to the allegations. US Ambassador George Glass stated that he had spoken with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and pledged full cooperation as the investigation continues. The US Embassy in Tokyo confirmed awareness of the situation and expressed condolences to the victim’s family.