The first verdict is in over the vicious murder of a 17-year-old girl in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. The victim’s family, however, said the sentence feels “light” for the crime.
The case involves the murder of 17-year-old high school student Murayama Luna. A gang led by then 21-year-old Uchida Riko pushed the young girl off of a bridge after she allegedly posted a picture of Uchida on social media.
According to NTV, a judge in Asahikawa handed down the verdict yesterday against then-19-year-old Konishi Yuka, sentencing the defendant to 23 years in prison.
Konishi admitted to the crime, so the trial was strictly about her culpability. Prosecutors had asked for 25 years. Her defense attorneys had asked for a more lenient 15-year sentence, saying she had only followed Uchida’s orders. However, the court ruled it was clear that Konishi played a significant part in the attack.
Some outlets still refuse to name the defendant
Since she was 19 at the time of the attacks, Konishi was prosecuted as a special category of defendant known as tokutei shounen (特定少年). Since 20 has traditionally been the age of adulthood in Japan, 18- and 19-year-old defendants are tried in family court.
However, after a recent change to the age of adulthood, Japan changed the law to allow for stiffer maximum penalties against these adult defendants, raising the maximum sentence from 15 years to 30 years. Japan also lifted restrictions on publishing the names of 18- and 19-year-old defendants.
Interestingly, however, some outlets, such as NHK and ANN, still refuse to publish Onishi’s name. Some online commenters are criticizing them for this decision.
Too lenient?
In a comment, Murayama’s family said, “While we recognize that this sentence acknowledges the feelings of the survivors to the degree permitted by the law, when we think about the lifespan of our 17-year-old daughter, it feels light.” Some online commenters agree, saying the senseless crime should have carried either the death penalty or life in prison.
Konishi has apologised tearfully in court for her actions. Murayama’s family said they couldn’t forgive her. However, they appreciated her testifying and telling the truth about their daughter’s final moments. They said they hope Konishi faces and shows repentance for her actions.
Uchida Riko still awaits trial for the murder. She was called as a witness in Konishi’s trial but, according to HTB Hokkaido News, refused to testify.
The case raised questions about the conduct of the Asahikawa police department when it came out that a city detective had been having an affair with Uchida before the incident. Even before this crime, Uchida was known in the city as a small-time gang leader. Asahikawa police ultimately fired the detective in question.
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