KAGOSHIMA (TR) – Kagoshima Prefectural Police have arrested an 84-year-old unemployed man for allegedly beating an 80-year-old man to death with a stick-like object in a vacant lot on the island of Yakushima, reports Nippon News Network (Sep. 14).
Takenari Baba was arrested on September 12 on suspicion of murder. News footage showed the elderly suspect walking slowly while being physically supported by police officers.
According to police, the incident occurred on September 11. Baba is accused of repeatedly striking the 80-year-old victim, who lived near the vacant lot, in the head with a stick-like weapon.
The altercation was discovered at approximately 6:30 a.m. when a male passerby contacted authorities to report that “two men appear to be fighting.” The victim was transported to a local hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Investigators stated there was no prior record of either man consulting police over any disputes.
During questioning, Baba offered somewhat contradictory statements. While claiming, “I don’t really understand what happened with the incident,” he also told investigators, “I have no excuses to make.” Police are continuing to investigate the motive behind the fatal beating.
