“Old Hag! Where’s the Money!” – Luffy Robbery Suspect Shows Defiance in Court Over 90-Year-Old Woman’s Murder

Not a word was uttered until the court closed

“The defendant is sentenced to life imprisonment.”

A heavy sentence was handed down to one of the perpetrators of the so-called “Luffy-wide robbery case.”

In January 2023, Hiroyuki Nomura (54) was charged with robbery resulting in death after breaking into a house in Komae City, Tokyo, with the intent to commit robbery and assaulting a 90-year-old woman, identified as A, who later died. On February 18, the Tachikawa branch of the Tokyo District Court sentenced Nomura to life imprisonment.

After eight court hearings, the prosecution sought a life sentence for Nomura, while the defense partially denied the charges, stating, “He admitted to participating but denied committing violence.” However, the court ruled in accordance with the prosecution’s demand, stating, “This was an extremely selfish crime driven by financial motives, and there are no mitigating circumstances.”

Nomura and three other perpetrators followed a plan devised by the masterminds, including Yuki Watanabe (40) and Masato Imamura (40), who allegedly used the alias “Luffy.” Disguised as a delivery worker, Nomura and the others broke into A’s home.

Nearly 50 people gathered in the courtroom at the Tachikawa branch of the Tokyo District Court, many of whom appeared to be in their early twenties or students, highlighting the high level of public interest in the case.

Nomura appeared in court with a stern expression, wearing a navy blue tracksuit and toilet sandals. His hair showed slight signs of bedhead. Before the hearing began, he occasionally glanced at the audience seats. Once the session started, he moved to the witness stand with a notebook and a marker pen, listening to Judge Akira Sugawara’s reading of the ruling for about 30 minutes without changing his expression. He remained silent until the trial concluded.

The key issue in the trial was whether Nomura had participated in the assault. His claim that “he was involved in the robbery but not in the violence” contradicted the testimonies of two other perpetrators.