Nagano District Court Delivers Death Sentence
On October 14, 2025, the Nagano District Court sentenced Masanori Aoki, a 34-year-old man, to death for the murder of four individuals in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture, in May 2023. Presiding Judge Masashi Sakata delivered the verdict, stating that the 'extremely brutal crime' took 'four precious lives' and left 'no room for leniency,' deserving 'the highest level of condemnation.'
Details of the May 2023 Attack
The horrific incident unfolded on the evening of May 25, 2023. Aoki fatally attacked two local women, Yasuko Takeuchi, 70, and Yukie Murakami, 66, stabbing them with a knife as they walked in the city of Nakano.
Following emergency calls, two police officers, Yoshiki Tamai, 46, and Takuo Ikeuchi, 61, responded to the scene. Aoki then killed both officers using a knife and a hunting gun.
Reports indicated that Aoki, dressed in a camouflage outfit, hat, sunglasses, and a mask, chased the women before the stabbings. He later shot the police officers who arrived. Aoki subsequently barricaded himself inside his father's home for approximately 12 hours before his apprehension.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Arguments
During the lay judge trial, a central point of contention was Aoki's criminal responsibility. Prosecutors asserted that Aoki was fully competent, describing the case as 'uniquely vicious' and 'extremely cruel,' driven by a strong intent to kill. They argued that he attacked defenseless victims with highly lethal weapons.
The defense, however, claimed that Aoki should be spared the death penalty due to diminished mental capacity, citing conditions such as schizophrenia or integration disorder syndrome. Aoki reportedly held delusions that the two women had 'bad-mouthed' him, calling him a 'loner' and 'creepy,' and told investigators he killed the police officers because he feared they would 'shoot and kill me.'
Despite the defense's arguments, the court acknowledged that while Aoki experienced delusions, they were not directly related to the incident, and he was deemed criminally responsible. The court concluded that the 'outcome of his actions was grave indeed and cruel in the extreme.'
5 Comments
Leonardo
Mental illness ignored. This is a tragedy on multiple levels.
Michelangelo
This verdict sends a clear message. Public safety comes first.
Africa
While the crimes were horrific and demand severe punishment, the defense's claims of diminished mental capacity raise questions about the full scope of responsibility. It's a complex case with no easy answers.
Raphael
The court clearly weighed the brutality of the acts against the mental health claims, finding him responsible. Still, one wonders if more could have been done to address his delusions before this tragedy unfolded.
Africa
Brutal crime, brutal punishment. No sympathy for such acts.