The suspect in the deadly arson attack on a Kyoto Animation Co. studio in July, who is in hospital with severe burns, has recovered to the extent that he can practice speaking again, investigative sources said Wednesday.
Police have obtained an arrest warrant for Shinji Aoba, 41, on suspicion of murder and arson among other charges, but are not currently able to arrest him as it is up to doctors to determine whether he can withstand confinement.
The company's studio in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, the center of its anime production, was set ablaze on July 18 after gasoline was spread and ignited inside the three-story building, killing 35 people and injuring 34.