39-year-old man from Osaka allegedly strangled woman, “just wanted sex”

OSAKA (TR) – Osaka Prefectural Police have arrested an office worker for the suspected attempted murder and robbery of a student in her 20s living in an Osaka Prefecture apartment, who also stole her keys and smartphone.

On September 3, at around 11:20 p.m., 39-year-old Takehisa Omae approached the 20-year-old victim from behind as she entered her apartment in the Higashisumiyoshi district and placed a bag over her head.

He then allegedly strangled her and caused her minor injuries. He also stole her keys and her smartphone, NHK reported (September 21).

After his arrest, Omae, who lives in the Hirano district of Osaka, partially denied the charges. He said: “I had no intention of killing her. I just wanted to have sex with her.”

Police believe the attack was sexual in nature. The victim never met the suspect.

The suspect also said: “I saw her at her part-time job and fell in love with her. I followed her and found out where she lived.”

Omae emerged as a person of interest in the case after police examined surveillance camera footage taken in the area.