Key Facts
• 39 years ago, a middle school girl was murdered in Fukui City.
• The victim was stabbed over 50 times in her home in a public housing complex.
• Akio Maekawa, then 21, was arrested a year later based on witness testimony.
• Initial trial in Fukui District Court found Maekawa not guilty due to unreliable testimony.
• Nagoya High Court overturned the ruling, sentencing Maekawa to prison.
• After serving his sentence, Maekawa sought a retrial, citing new evidence.
• In 2024, prosecutors disclosed 287 pieces of evidence, including a key report.
• Witnesses claimed to have seen Maekawa on the day of the crime, referencing a TV show.
• The show aired a week later, undermining the credibility of their testimony.
• Nagoya High Court ruled Maekawa not guilty on July 18, 2025.
• Judge Keisuke Masuda criticized prosecutors for knowingly presenting false claims.
• Maekawa expressed relief but lamented the 39-year delay in justice.
• Nagoya High Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the ruling for further action.
Summary
After 39 years, Akio Maekawa was acquitted in the retrial of a 1986 murder case involving a middle school student in Fukui City. Initially convicted based on questionable witness testimony, Maekawa served his sentence but continued to fight for justice. Key evidence revealed that witness claims were inconsistent with the timeline, as a referenced TV show aired a week after the crime. Judge Keisuke Masuda condemned the prosecution for misconduct, calling their actions “unforgivable.” Maekawa expressed mixed emotions, grateful for the ruling but frustrated by the decades-long delay. The Nagoya High Prosecutor’s Office is currently evaluating the verdict.
