Japanese police arrested a U.S. Marine on suspicion of the robbery and murder of a woman on Okinawa, officials said Sunday, in a case that has drawn sharp criticism from local leaders.
The Okinawa prefectural police said they arrested the Marine in connection with the alleged killing, according to the Associated Press. The arrest follows reports from Stars and Stripes that Okinawa police took the Marine into custody on suspicion of killing a Japanese woman at a hotel.
Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja said the case “deals a major shock and adds fear to the Okinawans who have already been forced to live next to U.S. bases,” according to the Associated Press.
The incident is the latest criminal case on the southern island, where the heavy American troop presence has remained a sensitive issue, the AP reported.
Details about the victim, the circumstances of the alleged crime, or the Marine’s identity have not been released by authorities. The investigation is ongoing.
The U.S. military has not yet issued a public statement about the arrest. Japanese officials have not announced any specific policy changes in response to the case.
Sources: DVIDS News · Military.com