U.S. base worker's trial for rape, murder to begin Nov 16

It's about time! Sadly it has reopened a lot of memories of the incident for many people, and I hope that a proper sentence is handed down and people can find closure.

I also pray for his wife and child, that they too can somehow move on from this idiot!

I hope the prosecutor is on the ball one this one. Even if the defendant had no "murderous intent", he can still be convicted of murder if he "acted with reckless disregard" (stabbing her and hitting her in the head with a metal bar), and those actions could "reasonably be considered to cause death"

Anybody found guilty of rape and murder deserves harsh punishment..... regardless of Nationality.

Should be executed publicly.

Should be executed publicly.

Yes. I mean, he's quite obviously guilty so why waste time and money on a trial? Drag him out, give him a taste of his own medicine with a broken bottle and some pliers, then string him up. Maybe leave the corpse swinging for a few days pour encourager les autres. That's men's justice. It's the only thing they understand.

Alfie: you probably mean "pour decourager les autres"

I hope he gets zero support from his SOFA status and left to arrange any of his own defense.

And when sentenced it needs to be done within the Japan penal system, and not have any deal to do time back in US instead.

I hate the nerve of people who commit murder then cry "unfair" where their trail will occur. Unfair (to put it mildly) was him ending someone elses life. I hope its the opposite of fair, and gets the heaviest sentence imposable.

Kiwi in Okinawa: i dont think SOFA will be supporting him. He was brought to Japan by his Okinawan wife (he adopted her family name for some reason) I believe the US conpany that hired him already let him go so he would loose any SOFA support. Plus SOFA is different between acitve military and civilians (like him) hired by a base store. This is probably why there was no way for him to get a trial in the US.

Shinzato had requested his trial be held outside Okinawa, saying it was unlikely a fair trial could be held there due to the strong anti-U.S. base sentiment.

Even better. He doesn't even deserve a trial, to begin with.

I hope he gets zero support from his SOFA status and left to arrange any of his own defense.

And when sentenced it needs to be done within the Japan penal system, and not have any deal to do time back in US instead.

Your hopes will be answered, Kiwi.

There are a lot of misunderstandings on what SOFA allows and unfortunately the media does not do anything to stop perpetuating myths.

SOFA status doesn't protect US personnel from the Japanese Legal System or afford them special privileges in trial. They're still held fully accountable of Japanese Law in Japanese Courts. The only advantage SOFA status gives is the circumstances in which Japanese police can detain and question the suspect.  

 Plus SOFA is different between active military and civilians (like him) hired by a base store.

This is not in regards to legal issues within Japan; they're all treated the same and held accountable by the Japanese legal system if they have been found guilty of violating Japanese law.

Psyops: I thought he was use to be active military previously, and then became civilian which aided his SOFA status and made it much easier to get a base related job due to his previous military time. Either way I still hope the military distance themselves as far away from him as possible, otherwise it will also add unneeded fuel to any anti-base feelings come time of trail.

Well Kenneth you should have thought about the anti-US base sentiment before you raped and murdered her.  Guys like you make it harder for the rest of the US military personnel.  Here's hoping the court finds you guilty and hang you by the neck until you are dead.

Because making it "harder for the rest of the US military personnel" is as bad as it gets....

glad he admitted to the charge, but sad that he won't get the punishment he deserves, which should be the death penalty. after 20 years he will be set free and allowed to do what he wants. unfortunately, the same can't be said for his victim or her family.

He doesn't even deserve a trial, to begin with.

Right...what's the point of having any laws in the first place.

The sentiment of having a fair trial is foolish to begin with - he is a failure of a human being, and everybody knows it. Everyone judging him would be feeling better with him behind some thick cage. This is now him against the proper world, it is now only a matter if he can bend the law in court his way or not.

Also, another round of bloodthirsty savagery, right? Got to go wash my eyes now. Yet again.

 it is now only a matter if he can bend the law in court his way or not.

How? He admitted guilt to everything except "murderous intent", so that is what the jury must decide, jail is a foregone conclusion, just how many years and for how many crimes.

I hope he hangs!!

Separating Rape from the issue, (which in itself it bad enough), the fact that the guy hit her on the head with a bar, and then stabbed the poor girl in the Neck with a knife... that's insane. That, is the type of behavior that justifies imprisonment to provide safety to the rest of the population. Raping her thereafter, simply adds to the picture of the sickness of his mind. What happened to him that twisted his mind in such a way ? How could he do that ?

Should he hang ? Or should we try to find out what was the cause first, then decide the punishment afterwards ?