On March 19, Osaka police announced that an elderly man's body found in a Higashiyodogawa apartment on March 18 was believed to have been stabbed in the heart, leading them to initiate a murder investigation. The deceased was discovered by a property manager conducting a welfare check, lying face up in a one-room apartment, with multiple stab wounds, two of which pierced the heart and were likely fatal. The estimated time of death is suspected to be around late February.

Investigators noted that the victim appeared to have defensive wounds on his hands, indicating he attempted to protect himself during the assault. Despite attempts to identify the deceased, no identifying items were found, and police are working to confirm his identity. It was reported that the man, believed to be in his eighties, lived alone in the apartment and had not been in contact with anyone; his wallet and mobile phone were also missing from the premises, and while the front door was locked, a portion of the window on the balcony was found open, suggesting a possible entry point for the suspect.

This tragic incident raises concerns about the safety of elderly residents living alone, highlighting the challenges they face and the potential for violence in urban living conditions. As the investigation unfolds, the police encourage anyone with information to come forward, hoping to provide answers and justice for the victim's family.