TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 78-year-old man over a July blaze at a mixed residential and commercial building in Ota Ward that left a 61-year-old woman dead, reports TBS News (Nov. 10).
At around 9:40 a.m. on July 26, Makoto Seki allegedly set doused 61-year-old Michiyo Terashima — the daughter of his spouse from a previous marriage, — with gasoline while she was cooking in the kitchen on the second floor of their home. He then ignited the fuel using the flame from the stove, killing her.
Tokyo police apprehended Seki following a three-month investigation into the fire.
Seki, who suffered severe burns in the incident and had been hospitalized, reportedly confessed to allegations of murder and arson, stating: “There is no mistake that I did it, but I intended to die as well.”
Witnesses at the scene described a harrowing situation as the fire erupted, recalling small explosions and shattered glass. One resident was seen jumping from a window to escape the inferno. In addition to the fatality, Terashima’s 80-year-old mother and 30-year-old son sustained injuries.
Police believe the motive stemmed from ongoing domestic friction. According to investigative sources, Seki and Terashima had been embroiled in disputes regarding the nursing care of family members and financial issues.
Police say the suspect purchased the gasoline at a service station earlier that same day and had brought a lighter to the scene to ensure the fire took hold.
Tokyo police are continuing to investigate the specific details surrounding the build-up to the deadly act.
