US Marine indicted for allegedly robbing and murdering woman in Okinawa

Japanese prosecutors have indicted a US ​Marine on charges of robbery and murder of ‌a Japanese woman in the country’s southernmost prefecture of Okinawa, Japanese media reported.Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, stationed at Marine Corps ​Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, is suspected of ​killing Anna Yagi, 39, in a hotel in Naha, ⁠the prefectural capital, earlier this month.Ballard has denied ​the allegations.Public broadcaster NHK reported prosecutors indicted Ballard on Sunday, ​adding he allegedly strangled the victim with a telephone cord and stole a backpack containing a wallet, citing the Naha District Public ​Prosecutors’ Office.The Prosecutors’ Office could not be reached for ​comment outside business hours.The case sparked protests in Okinawa and the nation’s ‌capital ⁠Tokyo, drew condemnation from Japanese political leaders and prompted a curfew and alcohol ban for US soldiers stationed in Okinawa.

It is the latest in a string of incidents ​stretching back years ​that have ⁠fuelled unease over the large US troop presence on the island chain near Taiwan ​and China.The III Marine Expeditionary Force said ​in a ⁠statement that it is aware Ballard has been indicted.“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,” it said....