Defendant in Indecent Murder of 20-Year-Old Woman Makes Astonishing Claim of Innocence Despite Presented Evidence in Court

The arguments of the defense and prosecution were in direct opposition.

The appeal trial of defendant Shogo Kina (40), who is charged with the murder of a 20-year-old woman in January 2014 and other crimes such as murder and forced indecent assault causing injury, took place at the Tokyo High Court on February 16. The defense pleaded not guilty, while the prosecution sought the death penalty.

“Friday Digital” reported extensively on the case in an article published on December 3, 2022, where both the defense and prosecution appealed the life imprisonment verdict of the said case. Let’s revisit the crime committed by Kinna and the surprising testimonies in court (with some modifications to the content).

 

“Searching for women with the intention of engaging in sexual activity.”

Both the prosecution and the defense appealed.

 

The trial of defendant Kinna, who was charged with murder among other crimes for committing lewd acts on a woman in Shinbashi City, Niigata Prefecture, followed by her killing. On November 18, 2022, the Niigata District Court sentenced him to life imprisonment. However, on November 30, both the prosecution and defense appealed the verdict to the Tokyo High Court.

 

“The incident occurred in January 2014. The victim was A-san, who was 20 years old at the time and worked at a confectionery factory. On the day of the incident, A-san left her apartment at 4 a.m. and drove to her workplace. However, by the time her shift started at 4:40 a.m., A-san had not shown up, and she was reported missing.

On the other hand, defendant Kina finished his night shift job and drank alcohol with several coworkers until the early hours of the morning. It seems that he split from the group while they were on their way to a ramen restaurant. According to the indictment, it is alleged that he was searching for women with the intention of engaging in sexual activity.” (National newspaper social affairs reporter)

 

According to the prosecution’s argument, defendant Kina allegedly encountered A-san, who was on her way to work, and became interested in her. He reportedly called out to her from outside her car and threatened her, saying “You’ll regret it if you resist,” among other threats, before getting into the car. He then engaged in indecent acts such as touching her lower body, causing injuries requiring one week to fully heal.

Later, the defendant moved the car to a nearby river, presumably out of fear of the incident being discovered. It is alleged that he grabbed A-san’s face, pushed her into the river, and strangled her to death.

Defendant Kina, who was charged with crimes including indecent assault and abduction, forced indecent assault causing injury, and murder. This arrest and prosecution are not the only ones he has faced.

“Between 2013 and 2014, there was a series of indecent incidents targeting young women in Shinbashi City. Defendant Kina, who had previously served time for crimes including assault causing injury and arson unrelated to buildings, completed his sentence and began living in Shinbashi City in July 2013. It has been revealed that Kina was involved in at least four indecent incidents in the city.” (Another national newspaper social affairs reporter)

In the trial of the case involving the murder of Ms. A, Defendant Kina repeatedly gave astonishing testimony, saying “I don’t remember” or “I have no recollection” in response to inconvenient questions. Even when presented with physical evidence, Kina completely denied involvement in the crime and claimed innocence.

Mixed DNA from both her and Defendant Kina was detected in Ms. A’s car. In response to Kina’s claims, the prosecution countered and sought the death penalty.

“The defendant Kina can only be described as someone with an extremely strong sexual desire. It was an indiscriminate act, believing anyone would suffice for lewd acts if given the opportunity. He feels sexual excitement from forcibly raping women who resist and fundamentally possesses a strong desire for rape. The murder of Ms. A was committed with the purpose of preventing the discovery of the crime.”

Defendant Kina consistently denies the charges. The judgment of the appeal trial is being closely watched.