SHIGA (TR) – Shiga and Gifu prefectural police forces have arrested male Syrian national, 22, in connection with the discovery of a woman’s body in a wooded area in Maibara City, reports the Asahi Shimbun (Feb. 18).
Between 7:40 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on March 14 last year, Mohammed Hammoud allegedly moved the body of Mayumi Kiriyama, 64, from her home in the town of Tarui, Gifu Prefecture to a mountain forest in Oshimizu, Maibara.
Police have not revealed whether Hammoud admits to the allegations.
Kiriyama was a staff member at an educational facility. When she failed to show up for work on March 17, 2025, the facility director lodged a report with police. Based on the condition of her home, both prefectural police forces began an investigation into the possibility that she may have been abducted.
Kiriyama’s body was found lying face-down and wrapped in a futon in the forest in Oshimizu on April 2. The body was clothed in a long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans.
The results of an autopsy revealed the cause of death to be asphyxiation due to compression of the neck, police said.
According to police, Kiriyama was spotted on security camera footage walking towards her home on the evening of March 14.
Based on that footage, both prefectural police departments believe that Hammoud loaded her body into his car and drove it to the mountains.
Hamoud arrived in Japan in June 2024. At the time of the incident, he was a temporary employee. Following an investigation into his whereabouts, he was arrested in Ogaki City, Gifu on Wednesday afternoon.
Police in both prefectures believe that Hammoud may have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Kiriyama’s death. The relationship between the suspect and Kiriyama is also under investigation.
