80-year-old man from Yamanashi charged with death of his roommate

YAMANASHI (TR) – Yamanashi Prefectural Police have arrested an 80-year-old man for allegedly attacking his roommate, who later died.

On September 14, Hiroshi Yamaoka allegedly punched Toyomi Iwai in the face and stomach while they were staying in the city of Koshu.

According to Nippon News Network (September 17), her death was later confirmed, police said.

When he was arrested on suspicion of assault resulting in death, Yamaoka said: “I held her neck with my hands,”

When police searched for Iwai's safety on September 16, they found her dead in the living room on the first floor of the house.

The results of an autopsy showed that the cause of death was asphyxiation due to pressure on the neck, police said.

Police are continuing their investigation and are considering changing the charge to murder.