Fukuyama man arrested for suspected murder of two-month-old infant

An 18-year-old man has been arrested in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, on suspicion of murdering a two-month-old infant. According to police, the incident occurred at the family residence on the morning of September 4, between approximately 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

The suspect is alleged to have placed a plastic bag over the infant's head and laid the child face down, causing respiratory failure. The mother discovered the infant deceased and alerted the police.

The suspect, believed to be the father of the child, admitted to placing the bag on the infant but has denied intent to kill. He reportedly told investigators, “I didn't think I would kill [him], but I thought if I did this, he would become quiet because he was crying so loudly.” Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.