[Concealing the body and living unchanged…] “Absolute obedience” that drove a housewife in her 50s to murder her mother-in-law and dump her body under the floor.

noted that it is “similar to a domestic violence environment.”

Regarding the reasons for the sentence, he stated

The court said, “It is hard to say that the victim was in a situation where she was unable to resort to any other means other than murder, and she cannot escape a reasonable condemnation. Moreover, even if it was difficult for him to confide in the victim that he had murdered her because of his family environment, the fact that he dumped the body under the floor and lived for about six days no differently from before the murder shows that he did not face the seriousness of having taken a human life and that he showed no consideration for the victim.”

Finally, Judge Emi told defendant Watanabe, “It’s a heavy consequence for you. Please consult with your defense attorney often,” and the court was adjourned.

Indeed, when asked by the judge, “Have you ever thought about anything other than money that you want to get out of here? Watanabe answered, “Housework is routine and habitual, and I don’t mind it that much. On the other hand, however, the doctor who conducted a psychiatric evaluation of Watanabe pointed out that her symptoms were similar to those seen when she was in a domestic violence environment.

In addition, his own mother suggested that he “come back to his parents’ house” when his son, now over 20 years old, was about to enter elementary school, and Watanabe was only aware that “I think there was talk about that a long time ago.

In his final statement, Watanabe apologized, saying, “Mother-in-law, I am sorry for causing you pain and suffering. During the trial, she sometimes choked up when her emotions got the better of her and sometimes shed tears, but after the verdict was handed down, Watanabe’s expression did not change.

When asked by the defense attorney, “How did you feel when you found out your mother-in-law had died? Watanabe answered, “Half a feeling of helplessness and half a feeling of relief that I would not be told about the money.

About a month after the judgment, Watanabe decided to appeal to the high court. How will her relationship with her mother-in-law be judged? All eyes will be on him.