Tatsutsuno Murder Suspect Changes Clothes While Fleeing, May 29

Police in Hyogo Prefecture released new photographs of murder suspect Kenji Oyama, 42, on May 27 showing him hiding near a riverbank after allegedly killing a mother and daughter in Tatsutsuno on May 13. The images reveal Oyama changed clothes at least twice while evading capture. With only 550 yen in cash and no phone or credit card, police believe he remains near the crime scene, possibly hiding in vacant homes.

How Police Tracked the Suspect’s Movements

Security cameras captured Oyama at JR Harima-Shingū Station on May 14, the closest station to the crime scene. He also appeared on cameras at JR Honryūno Station in central Tatsutsuno. On May 16, police questioned him in Takasago City, about 30 kilometers away, where he told officers he had killed someone. Officers then drove him back to his hometown near Tatsutsuno. By May 17, residents spotted him near his family home at 4:20 a.m., sitting outside a neighbor’s house before walking away at 5 a.m.

New Images Show Multiple Clothing Changes

Police released photographs taken May 20 showing Oyama sitting under a bridge about 2 kilometers south of the crime scene, wearing a greenish long-sleeved jacket and white pants with vertical stripes. A resident photographed him on the riverbank of the Yobo River near the Hassaki Bridge. This outfit differed from images captured May 17, when he wore a black long-sleeved jacket and white T-shirt. Former Tokyo Metropolitan Police detective Yuji Yoshikawa suggested Oyama may have stolen clothes from laundromats or clotheslines, or received help from an accomplice.

Limited Resources and Possible Hiding Spots

Oyama carried only 550 yen when police questioned him on May 16. He had no smartphone or credit cards. Police searched his family home next to the victims’ house but found no knife matching the murder weapon. Investigators believe he may be hiding in vacant homes near Tatsutsuno. Former detectives note that with limited money and his face now public, hitchhiking remains impossible. The bridge location offers shelter from rain and wind without cost.

Victims and Investigation Status

Police identified the victims as Sumie Tanaka, 74, and her daughter Chihiro Tanaka, 52, found dead on May 19. Oyama faces murder charges for Chihiro’s death and is suspected in her mother’s death. Police completed their initial crime scene investigation by May 27. Authorities continue searching the area and urge residents to call police if they hear suspicious sounds or sense a presence in their homes upon returning.

Final Thoughts

Oyama remains at large near Tatsutsuno with minimal resources and no clear escape route. Police believe he is still in the area, possibly in vacant buildings. Residents should report any suspicious activity immediately.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.