Compassionate Reaper Faces Murder Accusations Amidst Student’s Request

The sentence handed down was too heavy.

The defendant appealed against the first trial verdict, claiming that the sentence was too heavy.

On January 30, Isamu Ono (55), who is accused of commissioned murder, held his first trial at the Sapporo High Court. Ono is alleged to have strangled a female university student to death at her request.

“In the first trial, defendant Ono received a sentence of six years in prison. However, he claimed there was a factual misunderstanding during the trial. He argues that at the time of the incident, he was in a state of mental instability and seeks a suspended sentence.”  (National newspaper justice correspondent)

“FRIDAY Digital” extensively covered the contract murder case involving defendant Ono in an article distributed on October 13, 2022. We would like to reprint and reflect on the defendant’s selfish motive for the crime and the chilling message (with some modifications).

(Joon) You’ve gone off the rails again, haven’t you?

“Where was the path of righteousness again? Looks like I’ve stepped out of line again. But did I serve any purpose? I wonder?”

On October 7, 2022, just after the woman’s death, the suspect made a cryptic post on social media.

On October 11, the unemployed defendant, Ono, was rearrested for abandoning the body of university student A (at the time, 22 years old) who resided in Otaru City, Hokkaido. A had left her home smiling on October 3 during the day. As her family couldn’t contact her despite attempting calls and messages via LINE, a missing person report was filed with the Hokkaido Police on the 7th.

“The signal from Ms. A’s smartphone was cut off near the apartment where the defendant, Ono, resided. Subsequent investigation raised the possibility that Ms. A was being held captive in Ono’s residence. When the police went to the scene, Ono was present in front of his home and was questioned. As he was found in possession of a folding knife with a blade length of 8.7cm, he was arrested on the spot for violating the Firearms and Swords Control Law.

Furthermore, when Ono’s room was searched, Ms. A’s body was found. According to the results of the autopsy, it is believed that she died around the 4th of the month, and the cause of death was suffocation due to strangulation. A’s smartphone was also found in the room. During questioning, Ono hinted at the killing by stating, ‘I met (Ms. A) before the incident. I strangled her to death inside the room.'”  (National newspaper social affairs department reporter)

The defendant, Ono, stated that he met Ms. A through social media, but the exact details of their interaction remain unclear. According to friends, Ms. A was described as someone who loved cooking and had a bright personality.

She had her sights set on becoming an occupational therapist in the future. She also loved cooking, serving homemade cakes and apple pies to her family. I heard that she had a cheerful and active personality and was trusted by many people.

 

I knew he was broken.

Ono, on the other hand, did not seem to have much interaction with his neighbors.

“When speaking to people living nearby, they only give vague impressions. However, it seems that Ono often boasted about tattoos carved on his own body and his knowledge of weapons. On what appears to be Ono’s social media profile, there were posts indicating an experience of enlisting in the Self-Defense Forces, with entries such as ‘Former Second-Class Corporal’ and ‘Former Mercenary.’ He also introduced himself as wanting to be ‘a killer’ or ‘a kind-hearted Grim Reaper.'” (Same source)

After October 4th, when Ms. A is believed to have passed away, a person thought to be the defendant Ono continued to make cryptic posts on social media.

“I’m living my life as usual. Guess I’m broken after all.”

“A person I met passed away as they wished. A complex feeling. I don’t know if this was for the best.”

“I want to be of help to those struggling with death again.”

The defendant Ono, who is alleged to have referred to himself as a “kind-hearted Grim Reaper” and committed the crime, awaits the verdict of the appeal trial, which is scheduled to be delivered on February 14th.