Lawyer says U.S. sailor heard 'voice' ordering him to stab someone

Saturday 05th April, 06:41 AM JST

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Elram at 10:26 PM JST - 4th April

The agreement does not require the U.S. to report to Japan when U.S. military personnel desert or go missing in Japan.

This honestly is what they need to change. In my opinion, if a Sailor goes UA, he should no longer be considered a valid resident in Japan; as the SOFA agreement allows us to stay here without the need of a VISA. At the time they go UA the Navy should release the name and information of the person to the Japanese Police. It would definitely help both sides, as NCIS has alot more to do than just hunt down a UA Sailor.
Loki520 at 10:33 PM JST - 4th April

When I was in the army (and yes I did a stint as a recruiter), they used to have psychologists to make sure that lunatics got turfed before they were sworn in.

And I would be willing to be a huge part of someone else's pay that they were, just about 100% of the time, UNABLE to determine which person might have mental issues IN THE FUTURE. They might have been able to say AT THAT MOMENT what someone's mental state was, but they could not possibly tell you that someone is definately going to end up killing someone.
Ruger at 10:39 PM JST - 4th April

Elram

Totally agree, at the very least the Japanese Police and Immigration need to be notified, in addition to immigration in the States. Everything I've heard (and this is with a grain of salt) is that he was on restriction when he left the ship leaving his ID on board, which is the reason he was declared a deserter so quickly. Problem being proper people, i.e. JN Police and Immigration were not notified that I'm aware of. Don't know if this happens or not, but Shore Patrol needs to be given a picture of all UA personnel so they can recognize them if they see them out on the Honcho. Unfortunately, I don't believe any of this would have stopped this heinous crime.
jambon at 11:20 PM JST - 4th April

I'm suspecting voodoo... with the lawyer.
usaexpat at 11:23 PM JST - 4th April

Whenever someone hears voices be very afraid. My guess is this dude is trying for an insanity plea. Not sure how that works in the Japanese criminal justice system
flclkun at 02:29 AM JST - 5th April

hmmm a likely bs excuse for someone that is mentally undeveloped ( aka not insane, just down right stupid)

@Sarge; are you american? considering that the majority of your posts when an american look stupid (which happens alot it seems) you defend them. what gives?
semperfi at 06:49 AM JST - 5th April

. . . . so did he hear these same "voices" telling him to join the US service?

. .
tyedyed at 07:17 AM JST - 5th April

Why is it these nutcases who hear voices always hear "Go kill someone" , why can't people like this hear "Go jump off Bay Bridge by yourself" so the rest of us don't have to suffer for their actions. I can only hope they give him the maximum punishment and then some so maybe it will make anybody else thinking of something similar to reconsider. I'm sure his mom is very proud of what a wonderful son she raised, Maybe up until 2008, now NOT !
skipthesong at 09:57 AM JST - 5th April

Is there any particular reason they must continue calling out his nationality? If he is in the US Navy, doesn't that make him a resident and thus basically American?

The story almost makes it look like he is some suicide bomber wanting to sabotage the US Navy in Japan as the only thing people will remember is not his ethenticity but that he was a member of the US Armed Forces
VoXman at 01:03 PM JST - 5th April

skipthesong;

He will always be Nigerian, because he is not a Naturalized citizen in the USA. Just like their are permanent residents in Japan who still hold a passport from their native country. They are not Japanese.
VoXman at 01:04 PM JST - 5th April

flclkun:

Clearify please! Not sure if you are insulting the Nigerian or the Americans, or both?
notimpressed at 02:43 PM JST - 5th April

he heard voices in his head telling hime to kill someone, so joined the army. Not enough action for him I guess.
Loki520 at 06:44 PM JST - 5th April

He's USN, not Army. No action at all
notimpressed at 08:18 PM JST - 5th April

ok..
lipscombe at 11:06 PM JST - 5th April

I'm hearing a voic in my head...it's saying bad words I cant repeat here about this fellow.