Police arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of robbery and murder on May 14, in connection with a deadly home invasion in Kaminokawa Town, Tochigi Prefecture.

According to investigators, the suspect, who identifies himself as a high school student, allegedly conspired with at least two accomplices to break into the home with the intent to commit robbery.

Police say the intruders searched the house for valuables before the suspect allegedly stabbed the 69-year-old resident multiple times in the chest and other areas with a weapon, killing her.

The victim was transported to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Her eldest son, who lives at the residence, suffered injuries to his right arm and other parts of his body. Her second son, who lives separately, also sustained injuries, including wounds to the head.

Following the incident, police officers patrolling the area spotted the 16-year-old suspect walking near the scene and took him into custody.

The arrested teenager reportedly told investigators that someone from his grade was among the group, and that he was invited to join the group.

The teenager also reportedly said that “the others fled the scene in a car,” leading police to suspect that a luxury imported vehicle bearing Utsunomiya license plates may have been used as a getaway car.

According to investigators, there had been a series of suspicious incidents in the area prior to the attack, including burglaries at the victim’s home and a relative’s house early April, as well as reports of suspicious people and vehicles.

On May 7, a 41-year-old man was arrested after allegedly riding in a suspicious vehicle fitted with stolen license plates.

While no direct connection has been confirmed, police are searching for several individuals believed to have fled the scene and are investigating the possibility that the crime was carried out by Tokuryu, loosely organized criminal groups.