A 39-year-old man, Shoichi Sato, is facing the death penalty for the murder and robbery of a 79-year-old woman and her 51-year-old son in Usa City, Oita Prefecture in 2020. Sato allegedly broke into their home, stabbed the victims with a kitchen knife and scissors, resulting in their deaths. He is also accused of stealing 88,000 yen in cash.
Despite no signs of struggle in the house, muddy shoe prints indicated the killer entered through an unlocked window. Surveillance footage placed Sato near the crime scene, leading to his identification as a suspect.
During his lay judge trial at the Oita District Court, Sato denied the charges. Prosecutors found the victim’s DNA in Sato’s car, linking him to the crime scene.
This tragic case highlights the brutality and senselessness of the crime committed by Sato. Justice must be served for the victims, Takako Yamana and Hiroyuki.
© Japan Today