PRESS RELEASE

Statement Regarding the Murder of Ms. Yoshie Sato in Yokosuka City

January 6, 2006

The American Embassy in Tokyo deeply regrets the senseless murder of Ms. Yoshie Sato. The embassy continues to work closely with U.S. military and Japanese authorities to bring the investigation of Ms. Sato's murder to a swift and successful conclusion. U.S. Navy investigators have been cooperating closely with Japanese counterparts from the beginning and will continue to do so.


U.S. Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer made the following statement in the United States:

I wish to express in the most sincere terms my personal sorrow and outrage about the uncivilized behavior that resulted in the death of Ms. Yoshie Sato in Yokosuka City on January 3, 2006. My most heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Ms. Sato, to her friends, the citizens of Yokosuka City, and the people of Japan. I also wish to convey to all the people of Japan that the U.S. military and the American people are deeply shocked and saddened by this event. The Embassy of the United States of America is closely following this case and working with CNFJ and Japanese authorities to ensure that justice is done.