15-Year-Old Girl Fatally Stabbed Outside Her Apartment in Saitama; Suspect in Custody
SAITAMA, Japan — A 15-year-old high school student was fatally stabbed outside her apartment building in Saitama City on the evening of April 14, 2025. The suspect, a 24-year-old man, has been arrested and is currently under investigation.
The victim, identified as Rena Tegara, was attacked near the entrance of her residence in Sakura Ward around 8:15 p.m. Witnesses reported seeing a man assaulting a young woman, prompting immediate calls to emergency services. Tegara was found with multiple stab wounds, primarily to her upper body, and was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Shortly after the incident, the suspect, Hiroyuki Taniuchi, approached a local police box approximately one kilometer from the crime scene, wearing bloodstained clothing and with injuries to his hands. He was taken into custody on suspicion of murder. Authorities recovered a kitchen knife at the scene, believed to be the weapon used in the attack.
Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the stabbing and whether Taniuchi and Tegara were acquainted. As of now, Taniuchi has remained silent during police questioning.
The tragic event has shocked the local community, with residents expressing grief and concern over the safety of the neighborhood. The investigation is ongoing as police seek to uncover further details surrounding the case.
