Key facts
- A 20-year-old US Marine, Devin Jacob Ballard, was arrested in Okinawa, Japan, on Sunday.
- Ballard is suspected of robbing and murdering Anna Yagi, 39, in a Naha hotel.
- Police allege the killing occurred between 2:10 a.m. and 4:17 a.m. on Saturday.
- Ballard is accused of stealing Yagi's wallet and another item.
- Security footage showed Ballard leaving the hotel alone with Yagi's belongings.
- Ballard denies the allegations.
A 20-year-old U.S. Marine stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, Japan, was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of robbing and murdering a Japanese woman. Devin Jacob Ballard is suspected of killing Anna Yagi, 39, in a hotel in the capital Naha on Saturday, according to police.
Police allege Ballard stole Yagi's wallet and another item, and that she died sometime between 2:10 a.m. and 4:17 a.m. Security camera footage showed Yagi entering the hotel with Ballard and Ballard leaving alone later, carrying her belongings. A hotel employee found Yagi unconscious after she failed to check out on time.
Ballard denies the allegations, police said. He was arrested the following night after being spotted in an Okinawa city nightlife district. Police expect to refer his case to the Naha Public Prosecutors Office within 48 hours.
The Marine Corps stated it is cooperating with Japanese authorities and extended condolences to the victim's family. The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo also confirmed it is communicating and cooperating with local authorities.