Marine indicted in Okinawa robbery causing death case

Japanese prosecutors have indicted U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard on a charge of robbery causing death in the killing of Anna Yagi, a 39-year-old woman in Okinawa. The indictment alleges Ballard strangled Yagi with a telephone cord in a Naha hotel on October 3 and took her backpack, which contained a wallet and other belongings. The allegations have not been proven in court. A copy of the indictment provided by the Naha District Public Prosecutors Office identifies the charge as robbery causing death. Ballard, 20, was arrested on October 4. Okinawa Prefectural Police said he denied the allegations when arrested. Accounts of Ballard’s later statements differ. Investigative sources cited in Japanese reports said he made statements that partially hinted at involvement. Other reporting said police reported an initial denial and prosecutors had not disclosed whether he later admitted or denied the charges. The prosecution has not publicly clarified the substance of any later statements. The case prompted the Japanese government to lodge a strong protest with the United States and call for cooperation with the investigation, discipline among U.S. service members and...