Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Autistic Defendant over Fatal Crossbow Attack in Japan

Japanese public prosecutors on Wednesday 15th October sought the death penalty for Hideaki Nozu, who has been charged with killing three members of his family with a crossbow at his home in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, in June 2020.The prosecution said that Nozu's autism spectrum disorder did not significantly affect his motivation and that his acts were planned. The defendant maintained the capacity to control his actions and was fully competent, as he hesitated to carry out his plan, it said. Episode notes: ‘Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Autistic Defendant over Fatal Crossbow Attack in Japan’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/20/prosecutors-seek-death-penalty-for-autistic-defendant-over-fatal-crossbow-attack-in-japan/