U.S. Marine indicted for Okinawa hotel killing and robbery

Lt. Gen. Watson imposes 30-day Okinawa troop curfew

Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, a 20-year-old U.S. Marine, was indicted Sunday on a charge of robbery causing death in the killing of 39-year-old Japanese woman Anna Yagi at a hotel in Okinawa. The charge is contained in a copy of the indictment provided by the Naha Public Prosecutors Office, and Ballard has denied the allegations.

Prosecutors allege that Ballard wrapped a telephone handset cord around Yagi’s neck early on Oct. 3, “with intent to kill.” They say he killed her and stole her backpack.

The backpack contained a wallet and other items. The property was among the items prosecutors said Ballard took when he killed Yagi.

Okinawa Prefectural Police said Ballard was arrested the next day. The Marine has denied the allegations.

If convicted on the charge of robbery causing death, Ballard faces the death penalty or life in prison.

III Marine Expeditionary Force spokesman 1st Lt. Tyle Thomas said the unit was continuing to cooperate with the investigation. “We recognize the seriousness of the charges and will continue to cooperate fully with Japanese authorities in their ongoing investigation as the legal process moves forward,” Thomas said.

The arrest has increased scrutiny of the conduct of U.S. military personnel on Okinawa. Gov. Gent Koja and the prefecture’s assembly have demanded a review of the pact that governs U.S. military-connected personnel in Japan.

III MEF commander Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson imposed a 30-day curfew for U.S. troops on Okinawa. The restriction runs from midnight to 5 a.m. through Nov. 8.