SAGA -- Police investigating the recent fatal stabbing of an employee at an infant care home in this southwestern Japan city believe that trouble may have erupted when the female suspect arrested on the spot tried to reclaim her child.
As stated by the Saga Prefectural Government, the offspring of the 28-year-old accused individual hailing from Takeo City within the same prefecture was transferred to an infants' facility following the local child guidance center situated in Saga City temporarily taking charge on May 12th. Since both the mother and father seemed composed during this situation, officials apparently notified them about the location where their baby would remain for care.
Yet, at approximately midday on May 13, the woman contacted the facility and, in a rather assertive manner, insisted, “Return my child to me.” Later that very evening, she showed up at the center, grew increasingly distressed, consumed some antiseptic alcohol she had brought along, which led the personnel to contact law enforcement.
According to the Act on Mental Health and Welfare for Individuals with Psychiatric Disorders or Developmental Disabilities, when law enforcement officials or similar entities report individuals who might pose a danger to themselves or others because of mental health issues, prefectural administrations along with specified municipalities have the authority to involuntarily admit these persons into hospitals based on their judgment.
The Saga Prefecture Police arrested the woman and, considering the potential for self-harm, informed the local government authorities. After assessing her condition through meetings and consultations with her main healthcare provider, the prefecture concluded that an evaluation from a certified psychiatrist regarding mandatory psychiatric admission wasn’t required, thus they released her back home. Furthermore, despite recommendations from the child welfare office urging vigilance at the childcare facility due to the mother’s repeated demands via telephone to have her baby returned, specific concerns related to her agitated state earlier were not communicated to those involved with the daycare.
Later, the prefecture verified that the woman had visited her usual physician for a checkup. There was a time when nothing problematic happened, and by the end of May, they reported that she and her spouse were occasionally taking their child out of the facility for activities and outings.
After contacting the childcare center on May 31 and stating, “I wish to visit my child; I would like us to leave together,” the mother went unaccompanied. The facility informed her that visits and excursions require the presence of both parents. It’s thought that prior to her spouse arriving, the woman became aggressive. Amidst this disturbance, Chie Kawahara, aged 55—a staff member based in Ogi City—suffered numerous lacerations across her arms and torso due to being stabbed with a kitchen knife. She later succumbed to these injuries at the hospital following transport.
The authorities apprehended the woman immediately on charges of suspected attempted homicide. According to reports, during her interrogation, she allegedly stated to law enforcement, "I have no recollection, hence I cannot say anything."
Hideo Noda, who leads the prefectural government’s children and family division, commented on how these incidents were managed: “While it is usual for parents to express strong opinions, we didn’t expect such extensive reactions. This event came as a surprise and happened very quickly; thus, I don’t think the consultation center acted improperly.” Additionally, he mentioned that they are considering measures like issuing warnings to establishments throughout Saga Prefecture due to this situation.
On June 2, the prefectural police handed over the case to the public prosecutors, escalating the charges against the woman to include both murder and a violation of the firearms and sword control laws. Additionally, it came to light that she holds Chinese citizenship.
(Original Japanese version by Akiho Narimatsu, Saga Bureau)
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