Man arrested for alleged wife's body disposal in zoo incinerator
The zoo is renowned in Japan for its distinctive designs and displays
Police in Japan apprehended a man accused of burning his deceased spouse at the zoo where he was employed, authorities and local reports revealed on Friday, following the finding of human remains.
On Thursday night, Tatsuya Suzuki was detained by police under the suspicion that he "moved the deceased's body to a popular location" on Hokkaido, a northern island, and "destroyed it by incineration at that spot," as stated by a regional police representative to AFP.
The deceased, a 33-year-old named Yui Suzuki, was named by local news outlets as his spouse. Authorities have yet to disclose the cause of her death.
During an informal police interview, Suzuki reportedly admitted to using a zoo incinerator — designed for disposing of trash and animal carcasses — to cremate his wife's remains "over several hours," according to local reports.
The suspect also allegedly made comments implying he had killed his spouse, as noted by the Japan Times, and police indicated they might charge him with murder following a complete investigation.
His confession led the police to search the incinerator for her remains, where partial evidence led to Suzuki's detainment, as reported by the local media.
The wife had previously confided in her family that her husband threatened to "burn you until no trace remains," according to public broadcaster NHK, which cited sources involved in the investigation.
According to investigative sources in the Japan Times, Suzuki's family members had notified the police that they had lost contact with Yui in late March. The pair lived alone.
This shocking incident prompted the Asahiyama Zoo, which had been shut since early last month for regular pre-summer upkeep, to postpone its planned reopening set for Wednesday.
The zoo is renowned in Japan for its distinctive designs and displays, as noted by the BBC.
On Friday, the zoo resumed its operations, with officials bowing to attendees and expressing their regret for the situation.
"Currently, the zoo is facing significant challenges," stated Hirosuke Imazu, the mayor of Asahikawa City, which manages the zoo, per NHK.
"Yet we hope to transform your encouragement into our motivation, showcasing the magnificent life of our creatures," he mentioned.