Society

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

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