Asahikawa High School Murder Trial: Witness Testifies Defendant Pushed Victim, May 28

A jury trial in Asahikawa, Japan heard testimony on May 27 about the April 2024 death of a 17-year-old girl who fell from a bridge. A co-conspirator testified that defendant Uchida Riko, 23, pushed the victim with both hands. The defendant denies murder charges but admits to confinement. The case involves video evidence of abuse and raises questions about criminal intent in Japan’s legal system.

What the Witness Testified

Konishi Yuka, 21, testified that Uchida pushed the victim’s shoulder blades with both hands while she stood on the bridge railing. Konishi said the victim grabbed a rope but disappeared within seconds. She heard a scream and a loud sound she believed was the victim hitting the water.

Konishi stated she tried to pull the victim back up but could not reach her. She said Uchida showed no concern after the incident and walked toward the parking area. Konishi had remained silent after arrest but decided to tell the truth after reading Uchida’s statement, which she called “all lies from start to finish.”

The Charges and Evidence

Uchida faces murder, indecent assault resulting in death, and confinement charges. Prosecutors presented two videos showing the victim naked on the bridge railing, being forced to apologize. The defendant yelled “fall” and “die” at the victim over 100 times during the incident.

Konishi received a 23-year sentence that is now final. She testified that Uchida instructed her to stay silent after the crime, but she feared being blamed for the death since Uchida made the final push.

The Defendant’s Position

Uchida admits to confinement but denies murder and indecent assault charges. Her legal team argues she left the victim on the bridge railing and did not cause the fall. The defense claims the victim fell on her own after Uchida and Konishi left the scene.

The jury trial at Asahikawa District Court is examining whether Uchida had murderous intent and whether she shared responsibility for the death through conspiracy.

Final Thoughts

Konishi’s testimony directly contradicts Uchida’s defense, placing her hands on the victim at the moment of death. The jury must weigh witness credibility and physical evidence to determine if Uchida acted with intent to kill.

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