Crossbow Killer Says Relatives Deserved to Die

Sep 30, 2025 | News On Japan

TOKYO - A man on trial for fatally shooting relatives with a crossbow in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, claimed in court on September 30th that the victims were "people who deserved to be killed" and added that he wants to be executed as soon as possible.

Prosecutors have charged unemployed Hideaki Nozu with killing his grandmother, mother, and younger brother at his home in 2020, and with attempting to kill his aunt, who suffered serious injuries.

At the opening session last week, Nozu admitted to the charges, while the defense argued that he was in a state of diminished mental capacity at the time of the crime and questioned his criminal responsibility.

In testimony on September 30th, Nozu told the court, "I learned at school that to receive the death penalty you have to kill three or more people, and they were people who deserved to be killed," adding, "I feel like I want to be executed quickly." The court is scheduled to hand down its verdict on October 31st.

Source: YOMIURI

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