HOKKAIDO (TR) – A woman on trial for the brutal murder of a high school girl who was plunged from a bridge in Asahikawa City two years ago denied having any intention to kill the victim during a court hearing last week, shifting the blame to her accomplice.
Riko Uchida, 23, is currently on trial facing charges including murder and indecent assault resulting in death over the fatal plunge of the girl, 17, at the Kamuikotan scenic gorge in Asahikawa City.
During defendant questioning on June 4, Uchida maintained that she had “absolutely no intent to kill.” Instead, she claimed to the court that it was her female accomplice who harbored murderous intent.
Despite her attempts to deflect responsibility for the actual killing, a letter Uchida penned to the victim’s bereaved family was read aloud in court, detailing a harrowing timeline of abuse.
The victim’s family has reportedly refused to accept the letter.
In the written apology, Uchida confessed to confining, relentlessly threatening and assaulting the teen before her death.
“I am sorry for using violence and causing you pain. I am sorry for stripping you naked and making you suffer,” Uchida wrote, addressing the deceased. “I am sorry for causing you agony with no one to help you, and for robbing you of your future.”
“Absolutely unforgivable”
The letter also highlighted the grim aftermath of the crime. Uchida admitted that had she called for an ambulance or the police immediately, the victim would not have been left to drift in a river for over a month before her body was finally discovered.
She further confessed that she failed to accept the victim’s repeated apologies on the day of the attack, and lacked the courage to turn herself in to authorities prior to her arrest.
“All responsibility for the loss of [her] life lies with me. It is absolutely unforgivable,” the letter continued, standing in stark contrast to her courtroom defense.
Uchida concluded the letter by stating she intends to face the gravity of her crimes, undergo rehabilitation, and reflect on the victim’s stolen future while serving her expected prison sentence.
The verdict in Uchida’s case is scheduled to be handed down on June 22.
