Suspect in gym shootings found dead at church

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20071216a2.html

NAGASAKI (Kyodo) The alleged gunman in Friday's shooting rampage at a sports club in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, was found dead at a nearby church Saturday after apparently committing suicide, police said.

Two people were killed and six others were injured by the gunman, who came in the front entrance of Sports Club Renaissance Sasebo at around 7:10 p.m. and started firing what was believed to be a shotgun. The man targeted both people in the gym and in a pool where children were taking lessons. He also fired shots in the lobby and an office.

The deceased were identified as 26-year-old female swimming instructor Mai Kuramoto and 36-year-old fishing gear maker Yuji Fujimoto.

The six injured included a 9-year-old girl and two 10-year-old girls, but their injuries are not life-threatening, police officials said.

The police said they plan to press murder charges against the deceased man, Masayoshi Magome, and hand the case over to prosecutors.

The police are looking into the possibility there was trouble between Magome and Fujimoto and whether this led to the shooting. Investigators also searched Magome's residence for clues about his motive.

Police found the 37-year-old suspect lying dead in a pool of blood near a church in the town of Funakoshi about 5 km southwest of the gym, the officials said.

The Japan Times: Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007

(C) All rights reserved