A Japanese courtroom has sentenced to dying a person who killed four people in a shooting and stabbing assault in 2023, rejecting the defence’s argument that he has schizophrenia.
Masanori Aoki, now 34, stabbed two girls who have been taking a stroll within the metropolis of Nakano after which shot two policemen – who arrived on the scene after receiving an emergency name – with a looking rifle.
Gun violence is rare in Japan, the place strict firearms legal guidelines are in place. Even rarer is the capturing of a number of law enforcement officials. The final such incident occurred greater than 30 years in the past.
The defence had argued {that a} life sentence was extra applicable for Aoki, who has “diminished capability” due to schizophrenia.
Prosecutors agreed that Aoki had suffered from delusions however argued that he had dedicated the murders in a match of rage, and was in a position to discern proper from fallacious on the time.
In addition they mentioned Aoki had demonstrated “distinctive cruelty and cold-bloodedness,” in line with Japan Instances.
Aoki, who was reportedly sporting a camouflage uniform, a hat, sun shades and a masks, reportedly attacked the ladies as a result of he believed they have been bad-mouthing him, The Mainichi newspaper reported. It’s not clear if he knew the ladies.
After the assault, Aoki holed himself up in his mother and father’ dwelling in Nakano metropolis for 12 hours earlier than surrendering to the police. His father, Masamichi Aoki, is the speaker of the town’s meeting.
Earlier than Masanori Aoki was arrested, residents have been instructed to remain at dwelling whereas native authorities shared updates through e-mail and on the neighbourhood loudspeaker, whereas police went door to door.
Japan has strict gun possession guidelines and solely permits civilians to personal looking rifles and airguns. Individuals need to bear an examination and psychological well being assessments to purchase a gun in Japan.
Following the quadruple murders, authorities tightened the legal guidelines to make it tougher to personal “half-rifles” – a looking rifle just like the one Aoki used.
The stringent rules are additionally what make incidents like these, and the fatal shooting of Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, so surprising.
