A disturbing case has emerged in Kobe, Japan, after a 55-year-old man was allegedly found living in the same apartment as the decomposing body of his twin brother for more than a month.
The incident came to light on Friday (Aug 21) after a property management company contacted police over a strong foul smell coming from an apartment in Nada Ward. Officers arrived at the residence on Akasaka-dori and discovered a badly decomposed male body lying on a bed inside one of the rooms.
The body had reportedly been wrapped in a blanket and showed no obvious signs of external injuries during an initial examination. Police said the apartment was occupied by the 55-year-old suspect, identified by the surname Miyawaki, and his twin brother.
Investigators believe the deceased man was Miyawaki’s missing brother, as the body was found in the room believed to have belonged to him. Police are carrying out DNA testing and a forensic autopsy to confirm the victim’s identity and determine the exact cause and time of death.
During questioning, Miyawaki reportedly admitted that his brother had died inside the apartment. He told investigators that his brother had complained of stomach pain and believed he died sometime in July.
However, authorities are still trying to determine why Miyawaki did not contact police or seek medical assistance after his brother’s death. Instead, the body allegedly remained inside the apartment for an extended period before neighbours noticed the smell.
Police have arrested Miyawaki on suspicion of abandoning a body. The investigation is continuing, with authorities examining his account, his brother’s health condition and the circumstances surrounding the death.
