TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 56-year-old man for dousing a male acquaintance with boiling water in Setagaya Ward last year, resulting in his death, reports the Sankei Shimbun (Mar. 6).
On multiple occasions between September 14 and 17, Koji Takarada, 56, is alleged to have assaulted Kenji Takahashi, 58, by dousing him with boiling water at the suspect’s residence in Wakabayashi and other locations. Takarada is also accused of stealing 19,000 yen in cash from the victim.
Takahashi suffered extensive burns and later died.
Upon his arrest on suspicion of robbery resulting in death, Takarada denied the charges. “I just got my money back, so this isn’t robbery,” he said.
Takahashi was found collapsed on the apartment building’s landing after the incident. Takarada reported finding Takahashi. However, subsequent investigations implicated him as a culprit.
According to police, the two met while serving time in prison over the past five years. Takarada is currently under indictment for violating the Stimulants Control law.
Takarada had frequently picked fights with Takahashi. During questioning, the suspect said that had lent Takahashi 500 million yen.
Police are now investigating the circumstances that led to the incident.
