Okinawa police find victim's wallet in Marine murder case

Police in Okinawa say they have found a wallet in the backpack of a robbery-murder victim. A US Marine has been arrested on suspicion of killing and robbing the local woman.

20-year-old Devin Jacob Ballard, stationed at US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, was arrested on Sunday.

He allegedly killed the 39-year-old woman, a Naha City resident, on Saturday at a hotel room in the city and stole her wallet and other items.

Police say the suspect has denied the allegations, saying he did "not know."

Security camera footage shows a person entering a hotel room with the woman and later leaving with items. The hair and tattoos of the person in the video reportedly resemble those of Ballard.

Police believe the suspect likely left the crime scene on foot.

They examined the areas around the hotel and found the victim's belongings, including the backpack containing the wallet.

They have been investigating the suspect's moves before and after the incident as well as his relationship with the woman.

Okinawa Governor Koja Genta told reporters on Monday that the incident is heinous and cannot be overlooked.

He said he will go to Tokyo this week and lodge a strong protest with the government.

The governor said he will seek thorough investigations and preventive measures, and will begin arranging specific requests by Okinawa.

He also said that he plans to summon Okinawa Defense Bureau chief Murai Masaru and Lieutenant General Benjamin Watson, Okinawa Area Coordinator of US Forces, on Monday afternoon to lodge protests.