In October 2025, Saitama police arrested 22-year-old former care worker Toya Kimura in Tsurugashima. Kimura is suspected of murdering two female residents, aged 89 and 92, who were found bleeding and unconscious at the facility. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, around 4:55 a.m., prompting an emergency response. Doctors later confirmed that both victims had died at the hospital.
Investigators believe Kimura utilized his prior knowledge of the facility’s security protocols to gain unauthorized access. Notably, the passcode to the entrance had not been changed since his departure in July 2024. Police suspect that Kimura exploited this lapse to enter the building when staff presence was minimal.
Kimura was apprehended near the facility later that morning. Security camera footage captured a figure fleeing the scene, leading to his identification and arrest. During questioning, Kimura reportedly confessed to the murders, providing details about the method and timing of the attacks.
The facility, a five-story building, had been operational for several years and had no prior history of such incidents. The management’s failure to update security measures, such as changing access codes after employee departures, has raised concerns about the safety protocols in place at care facilities.
This case underscores the critical importance of stringent security measures in environments housing vulnerable populations. The incident has prompted a reevaluation of policies regarding staff access and facility security to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murders, including any potential motives and the adequacy of the facility’s oversight mechanisms. The case highlights the urgent need to improve safety in care facilities to protect residents.
