Homeless man killed in Fuchu park; police report five other attacks on homeless men

Monday 30th June, 11:11 AM JST

TOKYO —

A homeless man was found murdered in a park Friday night in Fuchu City, Tokyo, police said Sunday, adding that five other homeless men have been assaulted in neighboring Chofu City since March. Police believe the killer or killers may have been involved in all the attacks.

Masaji Fukuoka, 74, was found dead with severe injuries to his head. Police said he also had stab wounds all over his body and that he had been dead one to two days before his body was found.

According to police, the attacks on homeless men began on March 6, when one man was another was assaulted by a man in his 20s or 30s with a pipe in Chofu City. The victim was sleeping under an expressway around 6 p.m. when he was attacked. On March 20, a 63-year-old homeless man was attacked by the Tama River in Kunitachi City, and there have been three other reported assaults since then.

13 Comments

rjd_jr at 11:40 AM JST - 30th June

Looks like a serial killer is on the loose.
wilbur at 11:41 AM JST - 30th June

and as usual in japan, tomorrow will bring 50 more
timorborder at 12:02 PM JST - 30th June

Serial killer? I would be inclined to doubt this. Based on past cases, I think the cops will start looking for a group of young males. Age range will probably be around 17-23 years old. Some might be in education, however, the leaders are probably either unemployed or possibly engaged in manual labor.
Altria at 12:07 PM JST - 30th June

Yep, cases like this pop up from time to time - usually a gang of gutless little punks.

The attitude towards the homeless here is appalling.
jackwz at 12:14 PM JST - 30th June

reality unable to believe it
bamboohat at 01:01 PM JST - 30th June

Sad, but not just a Japanese thing. Happens everywhere. Irresponsible youth (likely) plus easy victim plus small chance of getting caught = trouble. Hope the cops catch these guys quick.
nutsagain at 01:22 PM JST - 30th June

Not only that rjd but most likely a J serial killer! Imagine that...
RMGTTF at 02:03 PM JST - 30th June

a group of young males. Age range will probably be around 17-23 years old

Giving the latest trend I would say probably 13-17 years old
dennis0bauer at 03:12 PM JST - 30th June

those punks will be surprised that 50 years down the road they will live in the same place as their victims
outofmydepth at 08:12 PM JST - 30th June

dennis0bauer - i fear that is only too true. and it would be fitting.
WMD at 09:24 PM JST - 30th June

how typical. Picking on the weak and helpless.
uperjer at 10:22 PM JST - 30th June

happened in florida a year or two ago. this next generation is worrisome.
Dubya at 11:41 PM JST - 30th June

"The attitude towards the homeless here is appalling."

What do you mean?