Japan issues “strong protest” after US marine accused of killing woman

The Japanese government has lodged a protest against the United States after a U.S. marine was arrested in connection with the death of a woman in Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture that hosts about 30,000 active-duty U.S. personnel.

U.S. officials said that Devin J. Ballard, 20, a lance corporal with the Third Marine Expeditionary Force, was being held by the authorities in Naha, Okinawa’s capital.

Ballard is suspected of robbing and killing Anna Yagi, 39, who was found at a hotel in Naha, police told Reuters. He denies the allegations. Japanese news outlets reported that police say surveillance footage showed Ballard entering the hotel with the victim early on Saturday.

The U.S. embassy in Tokyo said in a statement the U.S. is cooperating with authorities in an investigation.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the victim’s family,” the statement added.

This is a developing story to be updated.