TOKYO - In the case where a couple in their 50s were found dead in their home in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, a bloodstained shoe, believed to belong to the wife, was found in the trash of the Filipino suspect.
The bodies of self-employed Norihiro Takahashi (55) and his wife Kimie Takahashi (52), who lived in the house, were found on January 18, wrapped in sheets underneath their home. Nearby resident Hazel Ann Baguisa Morales (30), a Philippine national, was arrested on charges of abandoning the bodies. Morales, the former girlfriend of Takahashi's eldest son, has denied the allegations, stating, "I don't know anything about it."
Investigations have revealed that the bodies were individually wrapped in sheets underneath the first-floor floor storage, and that there were traces of bloodstains wiped in several places inside the house. A subsequent search led to the discovery of a bloodstained knife. Both victims had been stabbed in the chest from the front, and police suspect the knife was used as a murder weapon.
Meanwhile, a surveillance camera in the vicinity has captured footage of a suspicious individual acting in concert with Morales disposing of blood-stained clothing.
According to investigative sources, Morales was previously in a relationship with the Takahashi couple's eldest son, who had previously consulted Tokyo police claiming he had lent "several hundred thousand yen" to Morales but was not repaid.
Morales came to Japan several years ago and was working as a nursing assistant at a hospital in Saitama Prefecture.
A former Tokyo Metropolitan Police detective points out some puzzling aspects of the case. "If a single woman were to kill both individuals, it would be nearly impossible unless the acts were simultaneous. Considering that there were multiple stab wounds on Mr. Takahashi's body and even wounds reaching his heart, a certain level of strength would be required. Therefore, if there was another person involved, it is likely a male."
Morales has provided the following statement about her alibi on the day of the incident, stating, "I was helping a male friend search for a house."
According to investigators, the possibility of other accomplices assisting in the crime is under consideration.
Source: NHK
