Man arrested in Gunma for allegedly abandoning mother's skeletal remains

A 53-year-old unemployed man, Takehiro Hashizume, has been arrested in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture, on suspicion of abandoning the skeletal remains of his mother in his home.

The investigation began after Isesaki City officials contacted police on October 6 regarding an elderly resident whose safety could not be confirmed for several years. When police and city officials visited the residence to inquire, Hashizume reportedly claimed his mother was hospitalized, but provided vague details. Upon inspecting the home, authorities discovered a fully skeletonized body in the living room.

Hashizume has denied the allegations, stating to investigators, “The body is my mother, and she was alive until today.” Police believe the deceased was his mother, with whom he had been living since approximately two years ago. Authorities are currently working to confirm the identity of the remains and investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.