February 20, the Tokyo District Court delivered its verdict in the case of Haruka Fujii, a 26-year-old unemployed woman charged with causing the death of an 82-year-old man by stabbing at a love hotel in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
Judge Iichiro Sakata sentenced her to six years in prison.
Throughout the trial, it was revealed that the defendant had a history long of mental illness.
Evidence was brought forward indicating that her acquaintances were well aware of her disabilities, including one who had taken advantage of her circumstances making her work in the sex trade. The judge took these circumstances into account becoming, the focal point of the sentencing.
The judge condemned the crime, saying that the consequences of the life lost were severe and that the victim was at no fault of his own.
January 2022, Haruka Fujii entered a love hotel in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, with a man she met on the street. After being accused of stealing 30,000YEN from the man’s wallet in the hotel room, she stabbed him in the chest and thigh with a cutter knife, causing his death.
During the trial, it was revealed that the defendant had an ongoing financial commitment to a male acquaintance. A daily allowance of 20,000 yen, which was supported by engaging in theft and prostitution. Failure to maintain this commitment resulted in physical violence.
The defendant has been diagnosed with having an intellectual disability and ADHD in a psychiatric assessment before her prosecution.
The defense did not dispute the facts stated but argued that the circumstances leading up to the incident and the defendant’s disability should be taken into account.
They emphasized aspects of the defendant being taken advantage of and highlighted characteristics that placed her in an volatile situation
