Three dead after suspected murder and arson at cake shop in central Japan
By The South Asia Times
TOKYO - Three people have died after a fire broke out at a cake shop in central Japan, with police investigating the incident as a suspected case of murder and arson.
The fire occurred at about 9 p.m. Saturday in the city of Motosu in Gifu Prefecture, according to police, according to Kyodo News.
An emergency call reported that a stabbing had taken place inside the building and that someone had spread gasoline on the premises.
Police said two people were found dead at the scene. A 66-year-old woman who runs the cake shop and two men were taken to hospital after the incident. One of the men, aged 70, later died from his injuries, bringing the confirmed death toll to three.
The shop is located in a two-story building that also serves as a residence. The incident occurred after the shop had closed for business.
According to police, the 66-year-old owner had been hosting a private gathering with about 10 acquaintances inside the building when the incident occurred. Investigators suspect that the perpetrator was among those attending the gathering.
Police are investigating whether the stabbing and subsequent use of gasoline were connected and are treating the case as suspected murder and arson.
Investigators are questioning people who were present at the gathering and examining the circumstances that led to the violence. They are also working to determine the identities and relationships of the victims and the suspected attacker.
The incident has shocked the local community in Motosu, a city in Gifu Prefecture, which lies in central Japan. Police have not yet disclosed a possible motive or said whether the suspect has been arrested.
Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed forensic examination of the building and interview witnesses as they seek to establish how the fire started and what happened before the emergency call was made.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not released further details about the victims or the suspected perpetrator.
