The Disappearance of Tamura Ao: A Chilling Mystery

Introduction

• Disappearance of 23-year-old Tamura Ao in 2017
• Investigation uncovered a series of horrifying crimes in Kagawa Prefecture
• Tamura's background: quiet, socially reserved, lost her mother in May 2017, struggled with mental health issues (schizophrenia)

Timeline of Events

October 2017

• October 23: Tamura disappears after a series of concerning tweets.
  • Last seen at Hachioji station with an unidentified man.
  • Brother's growing concern leads to a police report.
  • Police find Tamura's last-known location and surveillance footage.

Investigation

• Police track movements from Hachioji to Zama City.
• An internet user connected to the suspect tips off police about a meeting.
• Police set up undercover surveillance:
  • Man identified as suspect leads police to a boarding house.
  • Disturbing discovery: human remains found in ice boxes.

Crime Scene Details

• Location: Two-story boarding house near Soai Station.
• Discovery:
  • 9 human heads and numerous bones found in boxes.
  • Tools for dismemberment located at the scene.
• Victims identified through DNA matching:
  • Mizuki, Ishihara, and others aged 15-26, many with mental health issues.

The Suspect: Takahiro Shiri

• Background:
  • Born October 1990, unemployed, lived near Kagawa.
  • Family life appeared normal, but he struggled socially and emotionally.
• Criminal history:
  • Arrested in 2017 for trafficking; had a suspended sentence.
  • Exploited social media to connect with vulnerable individuals.

The Victims

• Mizuki: 21-year-old office worker, struggled with bullying and mental health.
• Ishihara: 15-year-old student; faced family conflict.
• Nishinaka: 20-year-old, high-functioning autism; lured to his apartment.
• Sarak Hinako: 19-year-old university student; had mental health challenges.
• Hitomi Fua: 26-year-old mother facing family difficulties.

Modus Operandi

• Takahiro lured victims with promises of companionship or financial help.
• Used drugs to incapacitate victims before murder.
• Dismemberment and concealment of bodies involved meticulous planning.

Legal Proceedings

• Takahiro's trial began September 30, 2020.
• He confessed but pleaded for leniency due to mental health issues.
• Sentenced to death on December 15, 2020.

Aftermath

• Twitter revised policies on content related to suicide and self-harm.
• The case highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and intervention.
• Message: Seek help in moments of despair, as circumstances can change.

Conclusion

• The tragic story of Tamura Ao and her kin serves as a reminder to cherish life and the importance of seeking support.