October 04, 2026
US Marine, 20, arrested in Okinawa on suspicion of killing local woman at hotel
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US Marine, 20, arrested in Okinawa on suspicion of killing local woman at hotel
A U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa has been arrested by Japanese police on suspicion of killing a local woman and stealing her belongings, according to reports.
What we know
Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballad, 20, is suspected of killing Anna Yagi, 39, in the early hours of Saturday at the Naminoue Crystal Hotel in Okinawa, a local police spokesperson told Stars and Stripes.
Police allege Ballad stole Yagi's wallet and backpack and killed her sometime between 2:10 a.m. and 4:17 a.m. Saturday.
Ballad, who is assigned to the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, was allegedly seen on security footage entering the hotel with the woman — and leaving alone sometime later.
A hotel employee entered the room after the pair failed to check out on time and found the victim unconscious, the military newspaper reported.
The arrest
Ballad was detained and questioned by police after he was spotted walking in an Okinawa nightlife district, and was arrested on Sunday, according to Japanese newspaper Nikkei Asia.
Police expect to refer the case to the Naha Public Prosecutors Office within 48 hours of his arrest, the Okinawa Prefectural Police spokesperson told Stars and Stripes later Sunday, as Ballad remained in custody.
He denies the allegations, police said.
Official response
The U.S. Marine Corps said it is "actively cooperating with Japanese authorities in response to allegations of serious criminal actions by a Marine assigned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force," spokesman 1st Lt. Tyler Thomas said in an email to Stars and Stripes.
U.S. Ambassador George Glass said on X that he had spoken with Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and pledged "full cooperation as the investigation continues."
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo said it was "aware that a US service member is in custody following the death of a Japanese national in Okinawa" and added:
"As an investigation is underway to determine the facts of the case, the United States is communicating and cooperating with the Government of Japan and local authorities. We extend our sincere condolences to the victim's family."
The Post reached out to the U.S. Marine Corps for comment.
DEVELOPING — This story is moving. We'll update as the Okinawa Prefectural Police refer the case to prosecutors and as more details emerge.
Source: New York Post (citing Stars and Stripes, Nikkei Asia). Ballad is a suspect who denies the allegations; no charges have been publicly confirmed yet.
Source: New York Post — read the original report
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