A U.S. Marine is accused of killing a woman in Japan. Here’s what to know.

October 6, 2026 / 6:34 AM EDT / CBS/AFP

A woman's murder allegedly committed by a U.S. Marine in Okinawa has triggered public outrage, prompted Japan's premier to slam a "heinous crime" and rekindled controversy over the heavy military presence on the southern island.

Here are five things to know about the latest case and Okinawa's thorny relations with the U.S. military bases.

Okinawa prefectural police said they arrested Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, who is stationed at Futenma Air Station, on suspicion of strangling Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel in the island's capital city of Naha early Saturday and stealing her wallet and backpack. He has denied the allegations, according to Japanese media.

Security camera footage showed a man entering the hotel with the woman and later leaving alone.

Ballard was arrested when a patrolling officer saw him walking later Saturday in an entertainment district in Okinawa City, about 15 miles northeast of Naha. His shaved head and the tattoos on his arms matched those of the man in security footage, Kyodo News agency reported.

Okinawa was under U.S. occupation from World War II until 1972. Today Okinawa hosts 70% of America's military facilities and most of…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/