US Marine Indicted in Okinawa Robbery Homicide Case

A U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan, has been indicted on charges of robbery and murder in connection with the death of a woman found strangled in a hotel last month. Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, assigned to the Futenma Air Base, was formally charged by the Naha District Public Prosecutors Office, according to reports.

Ballard is accused of strangling a 39-year-old resident of Naha City on Oct. 3 by wrapping a telephone receiver cord around her neck. Authorities also allege that he stole a backpack containing her wallet and other personal belongings. The indictment stems from an investigation following the discovery of the woman's death at a hotel in Naha City.