Okinawa: A 20-year-old US Marine has been arrested in Okinawa Prefecture on suspicion of robbing and killing a Japanese woman. The suspect, identified by Japanese police as Devin Jacob Ballard, allegedly killed Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel in Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, and stole her wallet and handbag.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi lodged a formal protest with the United States following the arrest. Takaichi expressed deep regret for what she described as a “brutal and heinous incident” and called for maximum cooperation from the US in the investigation. She also demanded stricter discipline and the implementation of comprehensive rules to prevent such incidents in the future.

Ballard, who serves at the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in southernmost Japan, is currently in the custody of Japanese authorities. He has denied the charges against him. In response to the arrest, the U.S. Embassy and the Marine Corps offered their condolences to the victim’s family and affirmed their intention to cooperate fully with Japanese investigators.

The Marine Corps emphasized the seriousness with which it regards these allegations, stating that it expects all personnel to adhere to the highest standards of conduct. Okinawa is home to the majority of the approximately 18,000 U.S. Marines stationed in Japan and is a strategic location for both Tokyo and Washington’s efforts to deter potential military threats from China.