Death Penalty Sought for Crossbow Murderer

Oct 16, 2025 | News On Japan

HYOGO, Oct 16, 2025 (News On Japan) - Prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for a man accused of killing three family members and seriously injuring another with a crossbow in 2020 in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture.

The defendant, 28-year-old Hidehiro Nozu, is charged with fatally shooting his grandmother, younger brother, and mother with a crossbow at their home in June 2020, and inflicting serious injuries on his aunt in the same manner.

During the trial, prosecutors argued that psychiatric evaluations and other evidence proved Nozu had "full criminal responsibility" at the time of the crime. They cited the gravity of the outcome and the highly premeditated nature of the attack, stating that "autism spectrum disorder had little significant influence" on his actions, and called for the death sentence.

The defense has maintained that Nozu was in a state of "diminished capacity" when the incident occurred. The verdict is expected on October 31st.

Source: ABCTVnews

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Missing American Tourist Found Dead in Mountains Outside Kyoto

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