Elderly couple found dead in possible murder-suicide

Police in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, said an elderly couple were found dead in what appears to be a murder-suicide.

According to police, the bodies of Katsuji Hamada, 71, and his wife Kumiko, 69, were found at around 1 a.m. on Friday morning. TV Asahi reported that the couple's son called police after he had been unable to contact his parents the previous night.

Police found the couple collapsed on the floor near the entrance, both bleeding from stab wounds to the neck. TV Asahi quoted police as saying there was a bloodied fruit knife still clutched in Katsuji's hand.

The couple were taken to hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Police said the front door was locked and there were no signs of any intruder. They believe Katsuji may have stabbed his wife and then himself.

© Japan Today