Case of Tatsuya Ichihashi and Lindsay Hawker

Introduction

• Crime noted for its shocking and cold nature.
• Tatsuya Ichihashi was a suspect who changed his appearance to hide.
• Victim: Lindsay Hawker.

Background on Lindsay Hawker

• Born December 30, 1984, in Coventry, England.
• Studied biology at the University of Leeds; achieved first-class honours.
• Moved to Japan in 2006 to teach English at NOVA School.
• Was popular, bright, and had a supportive network back home.

Initial Encounter

• In March 2007, Lindsay was approached by Tatsuya Ichihashi at Chiba Station.
• He claimed to be an English student and followed her home.
• Asked for private English lessons; Lindsay hesitantly agreed after initial refusal.

Tatsuya Ichihashi

• Born January 5, 1979, in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
• Background: unsuccessful in medical ambitions, studied horticulture.
• Described as a loner, with a previous alleged assault settled out of court.
• Lived on parental allowance without working.

Lindsay's Disappearance

• Last seen on March 24, 2007, attending a lesson with Tatsuya.
• Failed to show up for work, triggering concern.
• Police identified Tatsuya as a suspect through a sketch he left.

Police Investigation and Discovery

• Police searched Tatsuya’s apartment but initially failed to apprehend him.
• Lindsay's body was found in Tatsuya’s apartment, buried in a bathtub on the balcony.

Tatsuya on the Run

• Managed to evade capture for years, traveling across Japan.
• Used self-mutilation and plastic surgery to change appearance.
• Police raised the reward for his capture to 10 million yen.

Capture and Trial

• Tatsuya was captured in November 2009 in Osaka.
• Trial began on July 4, 2011.
• Admitted to raping and killing Lindsay due to fear of being overheard.
• Sentenced to life imprisonment on July 21, 2011.

Aftermath and Impact

• Lindsay’s family expressed the impact of her loss.
• Tatsuya published a book, offering profits to Lindsay’s family, who declined.
• The case raised questions about Japanese police procedures.