US Marine indicted in Okinawa on robbery-murder charge in death of Japanese woman

As of 2:10 p.m. ET, Oct. 26, 2026

Japanese prosecutors have indicted a U.S. Marine stationed on Okinawa on a robbery-murder charge in the death of a 39-year-old woman at a hotel in Naha, the prefectural capital, Jiji Press and public broadcaster NHK reported. He has been charged, not convicted.

The Naha District Public Prosecutors Office indicted Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, on Sunday, Oct. 25, in the killing of Anna Yagi, Reuters (Sugiyama/Kelly) and Stars and Stripes reported. Stars and Stripes, citing a copy of the indictment provided by the prosecutors' office, described the charge as robbery causing death.

Prosecutors allege that Ballard wrapped a telephone handset cord around Yagi's neck in the early hours of Oct. 3 "with intent to kill," strangled her and stole her backpack containing a wallet and other belongings, according to the indictment as reported by Stars and Stripes. Jiji, citing the indictment and other sources, reported that this happened between about 2:10 a.m. and 4:15 a.m.

Ballard, who is assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan, has denied the allegations, according to Okinawa Prefectural Police, Stars and Stripes reported. Reuters also reported that he has denied them. The prosecutors' office has not said whether he admits the charges, Jiji reported. If convicted, he would face the death penalty or life imprisonment under Japan's penal code, according to Stars and Stripes.

According to investigative sources cited by Jiji, the woman checked into the hotel with a man at about 2:10 a.m., and a hotel employee found her body at about 4:15 a.m. Security camera footage showed a man with a backpack and features similar to Ballard's, including tattoos on both arms, leaving the hotel, and the backpack was later found nearby, those sources said. Police arrested Ballard on suspicion of robbery and murder after finding him walking on a street in Okinawa City, Jiji reported.

The III Marine Expeditionary Force said it is aware of the indictment. "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," spokesman 1st Lt. Tyler Thomas told Stars and Stripes; Reuters carried the same statement.

The case set off protests in Okinawa and Tokyo and prompted a curfew and alcohol ban for U.S. troops on Okinawa, Reuters reported. III MEF commander Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson imposed a 5 a.m.-to-midnight curfew through Nov. 8, and Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja and the prefectural assembly have called for a review of the agreement governing U.S. military personnel in Japan, Stars and Stripes reported. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has said her government lodged a "strong" protest with the United States, the BBC reported.