Japan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday morning that a third Japanese national has died in Guam after a man began randomly stabbing people in a crowded shopping area on Tuesday night. While most of the survivors from the attack escaped with relatively minor injuries, 51 year old Hitoshi Yokota was in critical condition until his death at the hospital.
Prior to Yokota, two Japanese women were killed at the scene of the attack. 21 year old Chad Ryan Desoto was quickly taken into police custody after drove his car into a convenience store in a popular tourist resort area, injuring 11 people, he then got out and began stabbing anyone who was nearby. The two other Japanese fatalities have been identified as 29 year old Rie Sugiyama, and 82 year old Kazuko Uehara. Among those injured were Sugiyama’s 8 month old baby and 2 year old.
The incident took place near the Outrigger Guam Resort, a place known for being populated with tourists, especially those from Japan. Desoto is currently being held on a $2 million cash bail, and has been formally charged with murder, attempted murder, assault, and possession of a deadly weapon. Police have quoted him as saying that he wanted to injure as many people as possible, and while one of his friends have said he was never violent, authorities have declined to comment on whether drugs or alcohol were involved.
Correction: February 14th, 9:50 PM This article originally said that an American was also killed on the day of the attack, alongside the two Japanese women. This information was reported by Japanese television media throughout Wednesday, however it has been confirmed that this was not the case.