Police send dead suspect’s case over Osaka clinic arson to prosecutors

Osaka – The case of a now-deceased man was referred to prosecutors Wednesday for suspected homicide and arson at an Osaka psychological well being clinic final December that resulted within the deaths of 26 folks and the suspect, police stated.

The investigation into the suspected arson on Dec. 17 has come to an finish, with prosecutors anticipated to drop the case after the suspect, 61-year-old Morio Tanimoto, died earlier than police had been in a position to query him.

Tanimoto is suspected of spraying gasoline and beginning a hearth on the clinic, killing 26 folks, together with common guests to the power and its director, Kotaro Nishizawa, 49. He’s additionally suspected of igniting a hearth at a home he was dwelling in simply earlier than the incident.

Tanimoto had been a affected person on the clinic in Kita Ward since 2017 and visited there a complete of 114 instances. He died on Dec. 30 after being taken to a hospital from the clinic in important situation.

The police discovered from information on his smartphone that he was wanting into “prolonged suicide,” wherein a person who needs to die commits mass homicide, in October final 12 months, investigative sources stated.

On the time of the incident, he had no cash in his checking account and no log of telephone calls with acquaintances.

On the day of the incident, various folks visited the clinic for a scheduled group remedy session to assist people on leaves of absence to return to work.

Knowledge on the smartphone’s schedule app indicated he began checking the circulate of sufferers in June final 12 months, the sources stated.

Police imagine Tanimoto was planning an arson assault on a Friday, when the clinic is often crowded.

His motive stays unclear however the police suspect he felt alone and wished to die by suicide.