Police in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, said Sunday they have arrested a 75-year-old woman after she failed to report the death of a 71-year-old woman with whom she lived.
According to police, Mariko Kono has admitted to the charge, Fuji TV reported. She was quoted as saying the woman died in mid-August at their apartment and she had thought about contacting the local government office but couldn't.
Police said the woman’s body was found after a neighbor complained about a foul odor coming from Kono’s apartment at around 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Police said an autopsy will be conducted to determine how the woman died. No information was given on who the deceased woman was.
© Japan Today
9 Comments
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purple_depressed_bacon
Why couldn't? Were the phone lines too busy?
snowymountainhell
Something odd. Re:the 6am edition, could one diligent reader translate the following:
“*She was quoted saying the woman died in mid-Aug at their apt and she had thought about contacting the local govt office* …*… but *couldn't. [??]
unable?? - No local shopping or outside the part in 4 weeks? - Odd.
William Bjornson
...or couldn't let go of her only friend...
Sven Asai
the phone is in the room with the foul odor…lol
Yasuragi
Decomposition at the hottest time of the year...phew. I cannot imagine.
Yume
I believe local governments need to "tackle" this kind of problem more efficiently. A common fund for funerals, more information for people, maybe on TV. An easy-to-remember phone number. People need to know that there is someone who can help them. Otherwise this sad news will just increase day by day.
Mocheake
You can imagine how bad the smell must have been inside when the next-door neighbor could smell it! You don't have to contact the local government office, contact ANYONE. Mental illness for sure...or a lack of sense of smell.
starpunk
There is something seriously wrong with this 75 y/o.