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Kanagawa cops: 19 feared dead, man arrested in stabbing at handicapped facility

At least 19 people were killed in a stabbing rampage at the Tsukui Yamayuri-en facility in Sagamihara City early Tuesday
At least 19 people were killed in a stabbing rampage at the Tsukui Yamayuri-en facility in Sagamihara City early Tuesday

KANAGAWA (TR) – Kanagawa Prefectural Police have arrested a 26-year-old former employee at a facility for the disabled in Sagamihara City after a stabbing attack is believed to have left more than a dozen persons dead early Tuesday, reports the Asahi Shimbun (July 26).

Police have arrested Satoshi Uematsu, 26, for stabbing attack that is feared to have resulted in 19 deaths at the Tsukui Yamayurie En facility in Midori Ward. Another 20 persons suffered serious injuries. An additional six people received injuries that are not considered serious.

The suspect has admitted to the charges. “It is good if disabled people are eliminated,” the suspect is quoted.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, police received a call from a person at the facility about “a man with a knife.” About 30 minutes later, Uematsu turned himself over to officers at the Tsukui Police Station.

The Tsukui Yamayuri En facility opened in 1964. As of the end of April, the facility had 149 handicapped residents, aged between 19 and 75.