“I did my best.” Sagamihara Massacre Suspect Down about Trial

From Jiji Press

January 6th 2020

YOKOHAMA – The man suspected of killing or injuring 45 people at a care home in eastern Japan for those with intellectual disabilities in 2016 has suggested in a recent interview with Jiji Press that he is not looking forward to facing his first trial session set for Wednesday.

Satoshi Uematsu, 29, said that he will admit the charges at the trial. “It’s depressing,” he said. “It’s like going there to get insulted.”

The defense plans to plead not guilty by reason of insanity, but the suspect said that it is not his will to dispute his ability to take criminal responsibility. “I think the defense attorney is kind in pleading my innocence,” he said.

At the interview, Uematsu appeared with long black hair, in contrast to his short blonde hair at the time of his arrest, and was wearing glasses.

The suspect’s belief that those with disabilities should be euthanized remains unchanged, and he stressed that “subsidies should not be provided for those who can’t do anything.” Asked whether he regrets the incident, Uematsu showed no remorse, only commenting, “I did my best.”