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Updated photo of suspect in British citizen's murder released by Japanese police
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Tatsuya Ichihashi old photo (left) and suspected new photo (right)
Japanese police have released an updated photo of the man believed to be Tatsuya Ichihashi, the only suspect in the murder of Lindsay Ann Hawker outside of Tokyo in February of 2007. It recently came to light that Ichihashi may have received plastic surgery under a false name and address as recently as October 24th.
The updated photo released by police shows a man that is rather different in appearance to that of Ichihashi from two and a half years ago. The pre-surgery photo which was taken by the undisclosed hospital in Nagoya last month gives a new clear image of the suspect. While the man believed to be Ichihashi has had his nose changed slightly since the new photo was taken, police to not believe his facial appearance has been greatly altered beyond that.
Police have pointed out four main changes since previous pictures: the creation of double eyelids, the raising and thinning of the nose, the thinning of the lower lip, and the removal of two distinguishing small moles on the left cheek. Reporters have also pointed out changes in hairstyle, eyebrows, chin, and even ears. Some have stated that the change may have been to help him try to secretly integrate himself back into society. It is also said he may have had the surgery for narcissistic reasons as well.
The hospital where the surgery happened only realized that the patient may have been Ichihashi after seeing recent news reports and noticing in a photo chart the removal of two facial moles, which is said to be rare among males, police commented to reporters.
The Mainichi reported that many plastic surgery clinics do not check names when patients pay in full in advance for minor operations. One worker at an undisclosed clinic told Mainichi reporters, “We’ve never been asked for help by the police with suspect photos, and we do not traditionally treat customers with suspicion.”
Ichihashi is wanted on the technical charge of abandonment of a corpse. There is a 10,000,000 yen (approximately $110,000 USD) reward for information leading to his arrest.
Japanese police ask for people with possible information on Tatsuya Ichihashi whereabouts to call 047-397-0110, or email: gyoutoku-police@docomo.ne.jp or gyoutoku@police.pref.chiba.jp
Related articles: Lindsay Hawker murder suspect may have received plastic surgery update
Read more news from Japan by the Japan Headlines Examiner
(A Japanese news report about Tatsuya Ichihashi)
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