In a recent court ruling, Shigeo Hattori, a 67-year-old unemployed man from Totsuka, Yokohama, was sentenced to 19 years in prison for the murder of a 78-year-old man during a walk in February 2023. Presiding Judge Kenji An'ei described Hattori's actions as particularly malicious and indicative of a strong intent to kill. The prosecution had sought a 20-year sentence, highlighting the gravity of the crime as Hattori struck the victim repeatedly from behind with a blunt object, leading to fatal head injuries.

The court's decision was heavily based on compelling evidence which linked Hattori to the crime, including surveillance footage and DNA matches from items left at the crime scene. Judge An'ei noted that Hattori had stalked the victim days before the attack and planned the murder by discarding his coat in a river afterward, thereby indicating premeditation. The judge also pointed out that despite having no prior criminal record, Hattori showed no signs of remorse, which significantly influenced the sentencing verdict.

The verdict evoked a profound response from the victim's family, emphasizing their ongoing grief and confusion over losing their father. They expressed that nearly three years after the incident, they are still grappling with their pain and are struggling to comprehend the circumstances that led to their father's tragic death. Their statement reflects the broader impact of violent crime on families, highlighting the emotional scars that such incidents leave behind.