A 42-year-old man has been arrested in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, after allegedly strangling his two young children to death before turning himself in to police.
The incident took place on Sunday in Tanakajima, Isesaki City, where the suspect, identified as Toshinori Inoue, is believed to have killed his six-year-old daughter and three-year-old son while they were at home.
According to Japanese media reports, Inoue’s wife returned home at about 8.05pm and discovered the two children lying motionless on a bed. She immediately contacted emergency services.
Police and firefighters who arrived at the house found both children with visible marks around their necks. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Approximately 30 minutes after the emergency call, Inoue voluntarily walked into Isesaki Police Station and surrendered to authorities.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted to using a necktie to strangle his daughter, Akari Inoue, and his son, Shuri Inoue.
Investigators believe the killings took place at around 3pm, although the motive remains under investigation.
Police also recovered a necktie believed to have been used in the killings near the children’s bodies.
The family of four, consisting of the couple and their two children, had reportedly lived together in the home. The six-year-old girl had recently started her first year of primary school.
The tragedy has left neighbours shocked, with many describing the family as close and harmonious.
An elderly woman in her 80s who lives nearby said she was devastated by the incident.
“They were such a happy family. I just don’t understand what could have happened,” she said.
Police are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances and motive behind the suspected double child homicide.
