Hiroshima suspect arrested for robbery‑murder linked to earlier killing of construction firm owner

Police in Hiroshima prefecture have arrested 29‑year‑old KURAMOTO Kanta on suspicion of robbery‑murder. Investigators say he buried Tokuda Masaki, 29, in the grounds of a company in Mihara City to silence him after Tokuda’s involvement in the February murder‑arson of construction‑company owner Kawamoto Kenichi, 49, in Higashihiroshima.

Authorities allege KURAMOTO, a former employee of Kawamoto’s firm, acted to avoid repayment of a ¥7 million debt and to prevent Tokuda from exposing their involvement. KURAMOTO denied the charges. The case continues to be investigated for further details and possible additional accomplices.