Ajigasawa arson suspect referred to prosecutors

A 58-year-old newspaper delivery man, Kenji Mitsuya, has been referred to the Hirosaki Branch of the Aomori District Public Prosecutors Office following an arson investigation in Ajigasawa.

Mitsuya is suspected of setting fire to a three-story residence occupied by a 92-year-old woman on April 26, which resulted in the total destruction of approximately 270 square meters of property and contributed to a fire that burned six houses. The suspect has reportedly admitted to the charges. Authorities are also investigating potential links to another fire involving a shed that occurred in May.