This is the trial of a case where a male university student died after being brutally assaulted by a group in Ebetsu City, Hokkaido.
The defendant, Kawamura, who is charged with robbery resulting in death, testified that “the alleged ringleader lost his temper, and I was too scared to stop him.”
“It was dark and I couldn’t see. I didn’t know the assault was escalating.”
This is what the defendant, Kanon Kawamura, stated in court.
The three defendants—Kanon Kawamura, Kaiyu Takizawa, and a 16-year-old minor at the time—are charged with robbery resulting in death. In October 2024, they conspired with the victim’s girlfriend, the defendant Ama Yagihara, and others at a park in Ebetsu City. They assaulted Tomoya Hase, causing his death, and then stole cash and cards.
In this trial, among the six individuals including the alleged ringleader Kawaguchi, three defendants, including Kawamura who is a friend of the victim’s girlfriend Yagihara, are standing trial. All three admitted to the charges in their first hearing.
The main point of contention is the sentencing.
If the charge of robbery resulting in death is upheld, the penalty is either the death penalty or life imprisonment.
During the defendant questioning on May 27, further details of the relentless assault emerged.
“Defendant Kawaguchi repeatedly kicked the head, and the minor on the other side also kicked the head repeatedly.”
“What was the victim’s condition?”
“He was screaming.”
Furthermore, Hase was forced to strip and kneel in apology, and at that time, he was looking for his girlfriend, the defendant Ama Yagihara.
“He was asking, ‘Is Ama-chan here?’ I think he said that without being able to open his eyes.”
When the defense asked Kawamura why he couldn’t stop the assault…
“(The alleged ringleader) was enraged, and I was too scared to stop him.”
He insisted that the assault was led by the alleged ringleader, a 18-year-old specific juvenile at the time, the defendant Yuto Kawaguchi, and others.
Also, when the prosecution urged him to apologize to the bereaved family watching the trial…
“I am truly sorry for taking the life of one of your precious family members.”
He apologized to the bereaved family with a trembling voice.
In this trial, the prosecution pointed out that “the assault after demanding money and goods was overwhelming and relentless,” while the defense argued that “he merely went along with defendant Kawaguchi and had no active intent to harm.”
On the 27th, defendant Takizawa was also questioned, and on the 28th, questioning of defendant Takizawa and the 16-year-old minor is scheduled to continue.
