Key Facts
• June 29, 2025: Marks 3 years since Beppu hit-and-run killing.
• Incident: Suspect Yoichi Hatta (28) fatally struck a 19-year-old student.
• Flyers: 20,000 distributed across 37 locations nationwide, involving 150 personnel.
• Locations: Expanded to Hokkaido, Aichi, Okinawa for the first time.
• Witness Reports: 10,043 total, 9,469 linked to suspect sightings.
• Regional Data: Kanto (3,566), Kyushu (1,256), Kinki (1,228).
• Incident Details: June 29, 2022, car struck two motorcycles at high speed.
• Victims: One fatality (19-year-old student), one minor injury (23-year-old male).
• Investigation: No brake marks; car exceeded 40 km/h speed limit.
• Legal Action: Suspect charged with hit-and-run, murder, and attempted murder.
• September 2023: First hit-and-run suspect designated as “most wanted” by police.
• June 2025: Arrest warrant issued for murder and attempted murder.
Summary
The Beppu hit-and-run case, which occurred on June 29, 2022, claimed the life of a 19-year-old university student and injured another. Three years later, police continue their nationwide search for suspect Yoichi Hatta, distributing 20,000 flyers across 37 locations, including new areas like Hokkaido, Aichi, and Okinawa. The incident involved a high-speed collision with two motorcycles, with evidence suggesting intentional harm. Over 10,000 tips have been received, with the majority linked to sightings of the suspect. In September 2023, Hatta became the first hit-and-run suspect to be designated as “most wanted” by police. Authorities remain committed to solving the case and bringing justice to the victims’ families.
