OSAKA — The man who was arrested Friday in the fatal stabbing of eight pupils at an elementary school in Ikeda, Osaka Prefecture, said he committed the crimes in a bid to be sent to the gallows, sources said Monday.
Mamoru Takuma, 37, reportedly told police, "I thought I certainly will be sentenced to die if I kill many children of the elite and intelligent."
Takuma had earlier said he tried to kill himself on several occasions but was unable to do so, according to police.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.