A body discovered in a wooded area in Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture, has been identified as that of Yuki Adachi, a sixth-grade student from Sonobe Elementary School who went missing near his school late last month, according to local media reports.
Kyoto prefectural police confirmed the identification following a forensic autopsy conducted on Tuesday. Investigators believe the child died in late March, although the exact cause of death remains undetermined as no significant external injuries were found.
Authorities on Wednesday also searched the home of the 11-year-old as part of a probe into suspected abandonment of a body.
The search is linked to ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the case.
Police are examining the possibility that the boy may have been involved in a criminal incident, after his belongings, including his bag and shoes, were reportedly found in different locations, raising further questions about what happened before his death.
