News On Japan

Suspect Admits Helping Dispose of Bodies

TOKYO, Jan 24 (News On Japan) - The man accused of helping dispose of the bodies of a couple found dead under the floor of their home in Adachi, Tokyo, has admitted to the allegations, while a Filipino woman at the center of the investigation still denies involvement.

Bryan Jefferson Dela Cruz, 34, is suspected of helping Hazel Ann Baguisa Morales, a 30-year-old Philippine national already in custody, dispose of the bodies of Norihiro Takahashi, 55, and his wife Kimie, 52, on January 16.

Bloodstains found at the entrance and washroom of the house were partially matched to Dela Cruz's DNA, confirming his presence at the scene. It was also noted that Dela Cruz had been hospitalized for a hand injury the day after the alleged crime.

Dela Cruz, an acquaintance of Hazel Ann Baguisa Morales, was apprehended in Ibaraki Prefecture on Monday. Investigators were led to Dela Cruz after surveillance footage showed a man disposing of blood-stained clothing alongside Morales.

Dela Cruz has reportedly admitted to the charges, telling investigators, "I helped the woman at her request."

The bodies of the couple were found on January 18, wrapped in sheets underneath their home.

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.

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.

Source: FNN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Japan's northern Akita Prefecture experienced a torrential deluge Friday, causing major flooding and the collapse of a bridge in Kamikoani Village.

Theft of air conditioner outdoor units has surged as Japan's heatwave continues, leaving some businesses unable to run critical cooling systems.

As power harassment allegations against the governor of Hyogo Prefecture continue to swirl, it has been revealed that another prefectural employee has passed away, with the prefecture delaying a formal announcement of the death by 3 months.

Osaka has topped the 'Japan Urban Power Rankings' for the fourth consecutive year. Conducted by Mori Building's think tank, the ranking evaluates 136 cities across Japan in six categories, including economy, culture, and environment.

Japan's total population stood at 124.88 million as of January 1 this year, a decrease of over 530,000 from the previous year, further accelerating the trend of a declining birthrate and aging population.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

A manager of a men's concept cafe in Tokyo's Akihabara district has been arrested on suspicion of violating the Employment Security Act by introducing female customers to illegal men's massage parlors to pay off high bills.

A Japanese man has been detained at a Thai airport for attempting to smuggle over 200 more scorpions, spiders, and other insects than he declared.

Osaka has topped the 'Japan Urban Power Rankings' for the fourth consecutive year. Conducted by Mori Building's think tank, the ranking evaluates 136 cities across Japan in six categories, including economy, culture, and environment.

Osaka's Minami district, a prominent entertainment area in western Japan, is experiencing a significant shift in its host club industry. Every night, patrons and hosts engage in strategic interactions, but recently, a noticeable change has emerged: an influx of host clubs from Tokyo's Kabukicho district.

Japan's total population stood at 124.88 million as of January 1 this year, a decrease of over 530,000 from the previous year, further accelerating the trend of a declining birthrate and aging population.

The number of raccoons captured in Tokyo is on the rise. These animals, increasingly making homes in residential areas, have even been found raising their young in attics.

The last three 'UFO-style' traffic lights in Japan, which appear to hover like UFOs, will be removed by the end of this month due to aging.

In an effort to curb street solicitation, commonly known as "tachinbo," in Osaka's Umeda district, police and local authorities have decided to install new street lights and implement other measures. This decision aims to address the issue of illegal prostitution activities that have led to over 20 arrests in the past year.