Police in Hokkaido have arrested two additional suspects — a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old — in connection with the assault and death of Tomoya Hase, a 20-year-old college student, in a park in Ebetsu.
The suspects, both part-time male workers from Sapporo, are accused of assaulting Hase, resulting in his death, though they have yet to make any statements. Investigators allege they conspired with four others who have been arrested earlier in connection with the case, including 20-year-old college student Ama Yagihara.
Police believe the group attacked Hase in the face and upper body between late Friday night and early Saturday morning in the park, where he was later found dead. The two suspects reportedly turned themselves in accompanied by family members at the Ebetsu police station late Tuesday.
In total, six individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, including Yagihara, 20-year-old college student Haoto Kawamura, and a 17-year-old part-timer from Ebetsu, along with an 18-year-old high school student from Sapporo.
According to investigative sources, Yagihara said she was dating Hase and had arranged to meet him the day before the incident. Hase is believed to have gone to Yagihara’s residence before the two made their way to the park, where they were met by the other suspects.
A passerby discovered Hase early Saturday, lying unclothed on a park pathway. A judicial autopsy confirmed that he died from traumatic shock. His personal belongings were not found at the scene.
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