[Kobe] Mutilated Body Found in Freezer, Estimated Time of Death 2011; Victim Identified as Former Resident, Investigation Proceeding as Potential Homicide

Following the discovery of a dismembered adult male body inside a freezer at an apartment in Nakayamate-dori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, the Hyogo Prefectural Police officially classified the case as a corpse abandonment and mutilation incident on the 22nd, establishing an investigative headquarters at the Ikuta Police Station. According to the investigation, the victim has been identified as Yutaka Nishiguchi (born January 1969), a former resident of the unit whose occupation was unknown. It is believed he died approximately 15 years ago, and police are treating the case as a potential homicide.

Forensic analysis estimates the time of death to be around December 2011. The cause of death remains unknown. The body was dismembered at the torso, with the upper and lower halves found in separate bags. Investigators believe the dismemberment occurred post-mortem. The body was wearing only a T-shirt and boxers and showed significant signs of decomposition.