OSAKA — Mamoru Takuma, arrested on suspicion of murdering eight children and injuring 15 others at an Osaka elementary school June 8, has fully confessed to the crime and expressed regret, according to police.
Police also said Saturday that Takuma told them he is ready to face capital punishment. Police consider the confession an indication he could be held criminally responsible despite being hospitalized in the past for mental illness.
Takuma, 37, earlier told investigators he had feigned mental illness after being arrested in the past in a bid to receive lenient punishment, according to police.