Key facts
- US Marine Devin Ballard indicted for robbery and murder of Anna Yagi.
- Ballard allegedly strangled Yagi with a phone cord on Oct. 3, 2026.
- Yagi's backpack containing a wallet was stolen.
- Ballard faces the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted.
- The indictment has renewed anti-US military base sentiment in Okinawa.
A 20-year-old US Marine, Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, has been indicted on charges of robbery and murder in Okinawa, Japan, for the killing of 39-year-old Anna Yagi. Prosecutors allege Ballard strangled Yagi with a phone cord in a Naha hotel room on October 3, 2026, and stole her backpack containing a wallet. Ballard, stationed at Futenma Air Base, was arrested the following day. The indictment has intensified local sentiment against the US military presence on the island, with Governor Genta Koja calling for a review of the status of forces agreement. The III Marine Expeditionary Force is cooperating with Japanese authorities, and military officials have imposed curfews and other restrictions on US troops in Okinawa.