The family of a 23-year-old woman killed after being struck by a man jumping from a building in Nagoya submitted a petition with approximately 47,000 signatures to the Nagoya District Public Prosecutors Office on August 28. The family is calling for the 29-year-old suspect to be indicted on murder charges based on “willful negligence” rather than the current charge of gross negligence resulting in death.
Did You Know? The victim’s family conducted their own investigation into pedestrian traffic at the scene, reporting that approximately 300 people passed by the location within a span of one hour and 45 minutes during the time of the incident.
July 19 Incident in Sakae District
The event occurred around 1:00 a.m. on July 19 in the Sakae district of Naka Ward, Nagoya. A man, whose occupation is unknown, jumped from the 11th-floor balcony of an apartment building located along a main road.
The man struck Houra Inaba, a 23-year-old restaurant employee who was walking home with a friend. Inaba died from hemorrhagic shock. The man, who appeared to be attempting suicide, was initially unconscious but recovered and was arrested by Aichi Prefectural Police on August 27 on suspicion of gross negligence resulting in death.
Family Claims Willful Negligence
Kenji Inaba, the victim’s 50-year-old father, stated that during a meeting at the police station, the suspect admitted to being aware that a person was below the building. When asked if he jumped while thinking it was acceptable if the person died, the man reportedly answered, “Yes.”
Based on this exchange, the family argues that the man acted with “willful negligence”—recognizing the possibility of death and proceeding regardless. Kenji Inaba told reporters he feels strong indignation that the case is being treated as a mere accident of carelessness and requested that prosecutors make an appropriate judgment based on the investigation.
Prosecutors Examine Suspect Mental State Until January 13
The Nagoya District Public Prosecutors Office has placed the man under medical detention until January 13 to examine his mental state and determine his level of criminal responsibility at the time of the incident.
The family intends to continue their activities via an online petition site.
What Is the Current Legal Status of the Suspect?
What is the current legal status of the suspect?
The 29-year-old man was arrested on August 27 on suspicion of gross negligence resulting in death. He is currently under medical detention until January 13 to determine his mental capacity and responsibility.
Why is the family requesting a murder charge?
The family claims the man exhibited “willful negligence” because he allegedly admitted during a meeting that he knew the victim was below him and felt it was acceptable if she died.
What evidence did the family provide to the prosecutors?
Along with the 47,000 signatures, the family submitted their own research showing that about 300 people walked past the apartment building in a 105-minute window during the time of the incident.
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