The Tachikawa Branch of the Tokyo District Court has sentenced a 23-year-old man to 23 years in prison for the robbery and murder of a 90-year-old woman in Komae City, Tokyo, in January 2023.
The court heard that Kazunari Nakanishi, who was a university student at the time, was recruited to be part of a gang responsible for at least 50 cases of robbery and theft in 14 prefectures, Kyodo News reported. The “Luffy” gang, as it is known, was headed by four men in the Philippines, who have since been extradited to Japan.
The victim, Kinuyo Oshio, was found dead by members of her family in the basement of the three-story house. Her wrists were tied together with a zip band and she had been beaten about the head and had suffered a broken kneecap.
Oshio lived with her son, his wife and their two adult children. All four of them had left the house at around 8 a.m. on Jan 19, 2023, to go to work, leaving Oshio at home alone. The first and second floors and basement of the house had been ransacked.
Prosecutors said Nakanishi and two accomplices, dressed as delivery men, broke into the house and beat Oshio to death with a crowbar. They also stole a luxury watch and ring, with a total value of 590,000 yen.
Nakanishi told the court, "I only admit to the robbery portion," and denied causing the woman's death.
Prosecutors pointed out that smartphone and Telegram messages between Nakanishi and a gang leader indicated that it is clear the defendants understood that a robbery was being planned and that they were willing to use violence if necessary.
Nakanishi's defense argued that it was another member of the gang who actually hit the victim with the crowbar.
Presiding Judge Masaki Sugiyama called the crime "despicable and extremely vicious.”
Nakanishi’s accomplices, as well as the Luffy gang ringleaders are yet to be tried.
© Japan Today
11 Comments
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tora
He should have been given 90 years. One for each of the years he stole from her.
Fighto!
Just 23 years? Unbelievable that this cowardly animal will be free in his mid 40s. He should have been sentenced to hang. I hope he dies in prison.
NCIS Reruns
Home invasion crimes are comparatively rare in Japan, but some that occurred have been vicious, like the one in 2000 where four family members in Setagaya were murdered. (Although the motive for that one is still not known.) Some seniors distrust banks and keep large amounts of cash at home. Some sort of countermeasures need to be developed to keep them from falling prey to thieves.
Random
I really wonder how a judge justifies giving such a light sentence for someone who tied up an old woman and then beat her to death with a crowbar.
Jlove
23 years only? And certainly onsen and massage twice a week. But I’m certain his name is written somewhere. He will have his purgatory every times when closing his eyes, the old lady is waiting for him. Rest in peace brave little lady.
Eastmann
lock him in cell and throw keys away...
Gene Hennigh
Even if he his telling the truth about not being the one who killed this woman, 23 years is too little a sentence still. Anyone involved should receive quite a lot more than 23 years.
Mr Kipling
Japan has the death sentence which would be perfect for this case. Not all life is precious, not all life is worth saving.
Alan Harrison
Just 23 years? Unbelievable that this cowardly animal will be free in his mid 40s. He should have been sentenced to hang. I hope he dies in prison.
Absolutely right Fighto! To torture and murder a. 90 year old lady is beyond despicable.
tigerjane
23 years old and a university student, he clearly came from a family who cared enough to get him through school and get him into higher education what is wrong with his head.
Moskollo
Killing an elderly lady for ¥600k and some antiques, was it really worth it? Hope this boy gets grief in jail. If you don’t respect the elderly you are lost..