Chiba Prefectural police on Wednesday arrested a 26-year-old woman in connection with the death of her 11-month-old son last year after allegedly throwing him to the ground of the family’s home.
Chihiro Nonaka is alleged to have attacked her son Chihaya at their home in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, between March and July last year, resulting in his death.
Nonaka admitted to the charges, telling police: “I was so stressed and angry. I hit him and threw him to the ground.”
On July 26 last year, Nonaka, who lived in an apartment with her husband, daughter and Chihaya, called 911 to report that her son was cold and unresponsive under the covers of his futon.
Autopsy results revealed that Chihaya suffered a skull fracture and a brain hemorrhage.
Authorities are investigating whether Nonaka regularly abused the child.
In August 2022, a pediatric consultation center in the prefecture received a report from the hospital where Chihaya was born, suggesting possible problems.
Despite repeated home visits, authorities found no visible injuries on Chihaya or his older sister and could not confirm any signs of abuse, prefectural officials said.
Translated by The Japan Times
