US Marine is indicted in Japan over the killing of an Okinawa woman who was strangled with a telephone cord

Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, is accused of killing Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel in Naha earlier this month. Prosecutors also allege he stole her backpack containing a wallet. Ballard denies the allegations. In Okinawa, a murder and robbery conviction is punishable by death or life imprisonment.

The killing sparked protests in Okinawa and Tokyo and condemnation from Japanese political leaders.

The III Marine Expeditionary Force said it 'recognize[s] the seriousness of the charges'.