OSAKA (TR) – Following the arrest of a 51-year-old unemployed man over the alleged murder of his former girlfriend in Izumi City last month, Osaka Prefectural Police have found the likely murder weapon, reports Kyodo News (May 7).
Teruyuki Sugihira, a resident of Sakai City, is accused of fatally stabbing 41-year-old social worker Yuka Murakami on April 8.
Upon his arrest, Sugihira fully admitted to the allegations. “There is no mistake that I killed Yuka by stabbing her multiple times in the neck and elsewhere with a kitchen knife I brought with me,” he told investigators.
Officers who responded to the scene also found the body of Yuka’s 76-year-old mother, Kazuko.
The results of autopsies revealed both women died of exsanguination due to severe blood loss. Both victims had more than 10 stab wounds, mainly to their heads, necks and backs. Yuka’s artery near her collarbone was severed, while Kazuko’s carotid artery was severed.
While a murder weapon was not initially found at the apartment, investigative sources revealed that police have since confiscated a bladed object believed to have been used in the attacks.
Investigators are currently pursuing the motive, which is believed to stem from a bitter dispute between Sugihira and Yuka over debt and the termination of their relationship.
Police are continuing their investigation into the double homicide, as Sugihira has also hinted at his involvement in the death of the mother, Kazuko.
