The U.S. military commander in Okinawa on Saturday expressed his shock and regret at the death of a local woman following the arrest of an American civilian worker suspected of dumping her body, and explained measures to tighten discipline among U.S. forces.
"There are no words in the English language that can adequately convey our level of shock, pain and grief at the loss of life of this innocent victim," said Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson at a news conference at Camp Foster in Okinawa Prefecture.
The conference, which came the day after the base imposed a midnight curfew and alcohol ban off-base for a monthlong "period of unity and mourning," was held to explain the measures.