A U.S. Marine in Japan has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and murder at a hotel in Okinawa. Japanese officials have formally protested to the United States.

Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, is accused of killing 39-year-old Anna Yagi during the weekend in Naha, Okinawa’s capital. Police allege that Ballard took her wallet and backpack. Ballard has denied any wrongdoing, according to the authorities.

Ballard serves with the III Marine Expeditionary Force at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Yagi entering the hotel with Ballard, who left alone later. A hotel staff member found Yagi unresponsive when she did not check out.

Police detained Ballard in Okinawa City after the incident. Fox News reached out to local police for more details.

In a related incident, authorities had arrested service members after discovering a body at a dump site on an army base.

The Marine Corps stated cooperation with Japanese authorities and confirmed that Ballard remains in custody in Japan. A Marine Corps spokesperson emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and highlighted expected standards of conduct for Marines.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed condolences to Yagi’s family and lodged a strong protest with the United States. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi met with U.S. Ambassador George Glass, urging cooperation and stricter discipline for American military personnel.

Glass expressed regret over the incident and promised U.S. cooperation with the investigation.

This case highlights ongoing tensions about the U.S. military presence in Okinawa, where nearly 18,000 Marines are stationed. The region has experienced various incidents involving U.S. personnel, raising local opposition.

Strategically, Okinawa remains significant for the U.S.-Japan alliance, especially amid heightening military activities from China in the Pacific region.

Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz, known for covering crime and political issues, reported this story.