NARA (TR) — Police here have arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of abandoning the body of a woman in a mountain forest in the prefecture,
According to police, Shigeru Komatsu, a scaffold worker, sought help after getting lost near where he abandoned the body, reports the Asahi Shimbun (Apr. 24).
Komatsu was taken into custody after officers discovered the remains of what appears to be a middle-aged woman in a wooded area in Tsuchida.
He is suspected of abandoning the body of the woman in the forest sometime between April 19 and Friday.
During questioning, Komatsu admitted to allegations of abandoning a corpse.
Early on Friday, Komatsu consulted a resident of the town, saying he was lost. The resident then called police. While speaking with officers from the Yoshino Police Station, he explained that he had abandoned the body.
Komatsu reportedly referred to the woman as his “wife” and hinted that he had killed her.
An examination of the body revealed a cut-like wound on the right side of her neck. As well, a kitchen knife was found at the scene.
Investigators are currently working to confirm the identity of the victim and determine the exact cause of death.
Authorities are advancing the investigation with a view toward pursuing a murder charge against the suspect as further details emerge.
