Japan executes ‘Twitter killer' behind 2017 serial murders
Known as the 'Twitter killer,' Shiraishi lured nine people, mostly young women between the ages of 15 and 26, by connecting with them on Twitter, where he posed as someone who could support those contemplating suicide. His profile read, "I want to help people who are really in pain. Please DM me anytime."
Once in contact, Shiraishi manipulated his victims, often suggesting he could help them end their lives, and in some cases, falsely claimed he would die alongside them. Instead, he strangled and dismembered them in his apartment in Zama, near Tokyo.
The horrifying crimes came to light in October 2017 when police, investigating the disappearance of one of the victims, discovered body parts stored in coolers and toolboxes. The apartment was soon labeled a 'house of horrors' by local media.
During trial proceedings, prosecutors pursued the death penalty, arguing that Shiraishi preyed on vulnerable individuals. His defense team, however, attempted to reduce the charges, claiming it was 'murder with consent' and suggesting his mental state needed evaluation.
Shiraishi eventually rejected his lawyers' version of events, admitting to the killings and insisting his victims had not consented.
In December 2020, he was sentenced to death, drawing significant public attention. Hundreds gathered at the Tokyo court for the verdict.
Following the case, Twitter, now known as X, updated its policies to prohibit users from promoting or encouraging suicide or self-harm.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Roya News
27-06-2025
- Roya News
Japan executes ‘Twitter killer' behind 2017 serial murders
Japan has carried out its first execution in three years, putting to death Takahiro Shiraishi, the man behind a string of gruesome murders in 2017. Known as the 'Twitter killer,' Shiraishi lured nine people, mostly young women between the ages of 15 and 26, by connecting with them on Twitter, where he posed as someone who could support those contemplating suicide. His profile read, "I want to help people who are really in pain. Please DM me anytime." Once in contact, Shiraishi manipulated his victims, often suggesting he could help them end their lives, and in some cases, falsely claimed he would die alongside them. Instead, he strangled and dismembered them in his apartment in Zama, near Tokyo. The horrifying crimes came to light in October 2017 when police, investigating the disappearance of one of the victims, discovered body parts stored in coolers and toolboxes. The apartment was soon labeled a 'house of horrors' by local media. During trial proceedings, prosecutors pursued the death penalty, arguing that Shiraishi preyed on vulnerable individuals. His defense team, however, attempted to reduce the charges, claiming it was 'murder with consent' and suggesting his mental state needed evaluation. Shiraishi eventually rejected his lawyers' version of events, admitting to the killings and insisting his victims had not consented. In December 2020, he was sentenced to death, drawing significant public attention. Hundreds gathered at the Tokyo court for the verdict. Following the case, Twitter, now known as X, updated its policies to prohibit users from promoting or encouraging suicide or self-harm.
Jordan News
01-06-2025
- Jordan News
Israel Threatens to Assassinate Hamas Leader Khalil Al-Hayya in Qatar - Jordan News
Israeli Defense Minister issued a new threat on Saturday, warning of further assassinations targeting senior figures in both the political and military wings of Hamas — including Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official residing in Qatar. The statement comes after the Israeli military confirmed the assassination of Mohammed al-Sinwar, a top Hamas military commander. اضافة اعلان In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Defense Minister Israel Katz declared: 'It's official: Mohammed al-Sinwar and Rafah Brigade Commander Mohammed Shabana have been eliminated. Israel's long arm will reach every individual responsible for the October 7th massacre, near or far — until all are eliminated.' According to the Israeli military, Mohammed al-Sinwar, brother of Hamas leader Yahya al-Sinwar, was killed in an airstrike roughly three weeks ago near the European Gaza Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Katz also issued threats against other key Hamas figures, including Izz al-Din al-Haddad, commander of Gaza City Brigade, and Khalil al-Hayya, a prominent member of Hamas's political bureau. Since the start of the war on Gaza, Israel has carried out assassinations of numerous Hamas leaders both inside and outside the Gaza Strip. Among the most high-profile targets reportedly killed: Ismail Haniyeh, Head of Hamas's Political Bureau, allegedly assassinated in Tehran. Saleh al-Arouri, Deputy Political Chief, killed in a drone strike in Beirut.
Roya News
24-05-2025
- Roya News
Multiple people seriously injured in knife attack at Hamburg Central Station
Several people have sustained life-threatening injuries in a knife attack at Hamburg Central Station on Friday evening, according to local authorities. The incident occurred around 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT) between platforms 13 and 14 of the northern German city's main railway station. Police confirmed that 18 people were injured in the attack. A 39-year-old German woman was arrested at the scene and remains in police custody. She is expected to appear in court on Saturday. Officials have launched a major investigation into the incident, with the homicide division now involved. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Hamburg Police said several of the victims were in critical condition. Emergency responders treated some of the injured passengers inside trains at the station. Speaking to reporters, police spokesperson Florian Abbenseth stated that the suspect appeared to have acted alone and that there was currently no indication of a political motive. Authorities believe the woman may have been suffering from "mental distress" at the time of the attack. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the attack as 'shocking' and praised emergency services for their swift response. The station was partially evacuated while investigations were carried out. It remains unclear how the attacker gained access to the weapon or how the incident unfolded in detail.
