HOKKAIDO (TR) – At the opening of the trial last week of a 50-year-old man accused of dumping the corpse of an acquaintance in the mountains last year, prosecutors announced that they are seeking a three-year term for the crime, reports HTB News (Jan. 29).
In August, Fumihiko Ogami, a company executive in Sapporo City, allegedly used a bulldozer to dig a hole in the mountains of Mukawa last August and burying the body of his acquaintance, 55-year-old Takayuki Nishimura.
At the opening of the trial on January 28, the prosecution demanded a three-year prison sentence. They said, “It was a selfish and reckless act intended to conceal the victim’s death and whereabouts.”
The defense mentioned the multiple conflicts between Ogami and Nishimura prior to the incident. It argued for leniency. It said, “The crime was committed in a state of fear of harm to his life and body.”
“Protect my life”
Nishimura was apparently injured with a knife in a dispute with Ogami on a street in Shiroishi Ward, Sapporo shortly before the incident. He later died in Ogami’s car.
During questioning, Ogami explained that the incident was “an unforeseen accident that occurred while I was trying to protect my life.”
The defendant also explained his motive for abandoning the body. He said, “In the car, Nishimura called someone he said was a boss in a yakuza gang and said he had been attacked by me, so I thought my life was in danger.”
Ogami was also indicted on suspicion of murdering Nishimura. However, the prosecution has decided not to indict him on the murder charge.
The verdict will be announced on February 5.
