Devin Jacob Ballard, a 20-year-old US Marine lance corporal, has been arrested on suspicion of killing Anna Yagi, 39, and stealing her belongings at a hotel in Okinawa. He denies the allegations, according to Japanese police and local reporting.
The arrest has prompted protests and tighter restrictions on US military personnel in Okinawa. Japanese and Okinawan officials have demanded greater discipline and measures to protect communities living alongside American bases.