III MEF pledges cooperation, extends ‘deepest condolences’ to victim’s family
Okinawa police say a U.S. Marine stationed at U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma suffocated 39-year-old Yagi Anna at a hotel between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Saturday, Japanese news outlet NHK reported. Police said Anna died of suffocation from pressure on the neck. Ballard also allegedly stole Anna’s wallet and other belongings.
Security footage at the hotel showed a woman entering the hotel room along with another person who later left carrying items, NHK reported. The second person in the video allegedly matched the description of Ballard, including hair and tattoos.
Police arrested Ballard, 20, Saturday night in the entertainment district of the city. He denied the allegations.
The III Marine Expeditionary Force said in a statement that the Marine Corps was cooperating with Japanese authorities in the investigation.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends,” the statement said. “The Marine Corps takes these allegations very seriously and expects every Marine to adhere to the highest standards of behavior. The Marine is in custody of local authorities while investigations proceed.”
Japanese officials lodged an official protest with the U.S. government in response to the incident. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae described the incident as “extremely regrettable” in a post on social media Sunday. She demanded full cooperation from U.S. authorities.