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Chiba cops: Man admits to killing parents in fire ‘after quarrel’

Takuro Shinoda
Takuro Shinoda

CHIBA (TR) – Chiba Prefectural Police have arrested the son of an elderly couple on drug charges after they both perished in a fire inside their residence in Inzai City, reports TBS News (July 16).

On July 14, firefighters found the bodies of Koichi Shinoda, 75, and his wife, Hiroko, 70, inside the ruins of their two-story home. The cause of death for both persons was determined to be death by fire.

The couple’s eldest son, Takuro Shinoda, 46, was transported to a nearby hospital for symptoms of smoke inhalation. An analysis of his urine revealed the presence of kakuseizai, or stimulant drugs. He was later arrested for the use of the banned substances.

During questioning, the son admitted to starting the fire on the first floor of the residence. “After getting into a quarrel, I sprayed around flammable liquid and set it afire,” the suspect is quoted by police, according to TV Asahi (July 17).

Police may later apply murder and arson charges in the case.