A man who lived with a group of people reportedly under the spell of Miyoko Sumida--the prime suspect in a case in which a body was found in a metal drum last autumn in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture--was tracked down by Sumida and forced to return to the city every time he attempted to escape, according to a person who accompanied her in the chase.

The man who tried to run away is the 54-year-old brother of the husband of Sumida's sister-in-law, Mieko, 59. Police believe his body was abandoned last summer in the sea off Bizen, Okayama Prefecture.

Sumida, 64, has been indicted on suspicion of inflicting injuries on a woman resulting in death and other charges in last autumn's case. Several people have gone missing around her.

By giving police details of Sumida's relentless pursuit, the person described the woman's power to control others, which never allowed anyone to escape.

The person said he lived in an apartment near a rented condominium where Sumida was living with others in Amagasaki. He also was a frequent visitor in Sumida's home.

According to the person, around 2002, the man escaped from Amagasaki to Tokyo's Toshima Ward. But around 2005, Sumida told the person: "I'm going to Tokyo to catch him. Come with me and try to convince him [to return to Amagasaki]." The person said he could not say no to her.