Incident in Hakone

Police Report - Follow on from Haunting in Hakone

This is a follow on from Haunting in Hakone, a short J-Horror story I wrote, and will lead into an eventual sequel in working on.
Haunting in Hakone: https://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/2226657-Haunting-in-Hakone

~Incident in Hakone~

Kanagawa Prefectural Police Headquarters
Hakone Police Station
Incident Report

Report Number: HK-2003-0910-001
Date of Report: September 10, 2003
Reporting Officer: Detective Inspector Hiroshi Tanaka, Hakone Police Station
Incident Type: Suspicious Deaths (Possible Arson/Homicide)
Location of Incident: Abandoned Nishikawa Residence, 145 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Date/Time of Incident: September 8, 2003 (late evening, exact time unknown)
Date/Time of Discovery: September 9, 2003 (approximately 09:15 AM)

Summary of Incident
On September 9, 2003, at approximately 09:15 AM, local resident and neighbor Ms. Aiko Yamamoto (age 52) reported the discovery of two deceased individuals inside the abandoned Nishikawa residence following unusual noises and screams heard late on the night of September 8, 2003. Upon arrival, responding officers confirmed the presence of two adult bodies exhibiting severe burn injuries consistent with exposure to extreme heat. No signs of forced entry were observed, and preliminary investigation indicates the victims entered the premises unlawfully (trespassing) on the evening of September 8, 2003. The cause of death for both individuals remains undetermined pending autopsy results, with no immediate suspects or leads identified. Fire damage was localized to the bathroom and kitchen areas, suggesting possible accidental ignition or deliberate act.

Victim Details
1. Victim 1:
- Name: Kaito Nakamura (confirmed via identification wallet found on scene; age approximately 28)
- Gender: Male
- Description: Adult male, height approx. 175 cm, weight approx. 70 kg (pre-mortem estimate).
- Location of Body: Second-floor bathroom, submerged in bathtub.
- Condition: Severe third-degree burns covering 80% of body surface, with extensive blistering on torso, limbs, and face. Skin tissue charred and sloughed in multiple areas. No visible trauma beyond burns. Estimated time of death: Late evening September 8, 2003.
- Personal Effects: Leather wallet containing ID, 5,000 yen cash, and a handwritten note reading "Date night with M tonight." No signs of struggle.

2. Victim 2:
- Name: Moriko Sato (confirmed via matching description from locals and personal effects; age approximately 26)
- Gender: Female
- Description: Adult female, height approx. 160 cm, weight approx. 55 kg (pre-mortem estimate).
- Location of Body: Ground-floor kitchen, slumped against rear wall near sink.
- Condition: Facial disfigurement due to melting of soft tissue (approx. 60% of facial area affected), consistent with exposure to molten or superheated liquid. Distinct bilateral burn marks on ankles resembling handprints (palm and finger impressions, approx. 15 cm in length). Lower extremities show second-degree burns; upper body largely unaffected. Estimated time of death: Late evening September 8, 2003, contemporaneous with Victim 1.
- Personal Effects: Purse containing lipstick, keys, and a locket engraved "K & M Forever." Scattered kitchen utensils nearby, including a damaged saucepan with residue suggestive of overheated oil.

Local inquiries confirm the victims were in a romantic relationship (lovers) for approximately one year, with no prior criminal history. Neighbors described them as "young and adventurous"

Witness Statements
- Primary Witness: Ms. Aiko Yamamoto (Neighbor, Residence: 143 Yumoto)
Statement taken September 9, 2003, 10:00 AM: "I live next door to that old Nishikawa place, it's been empty for years, gives me the creeps. Around midnight on the 8th, I heard whispering at first, the couple sneaking around outside, then later, screams, sharp, like someone in pain. It went quiet after that. I didn't call right away; thought it was kids messing around. But the next morning, I smelled smoke and saw the door ajar. I peeked in and... God, the bodies. I ran back and phoned you lot."
Ms. Yamamoto provided no further details on the screams' duration (estimated 2-3 minutes). She denies any involvement and was not present during the incident.

No additional witnesses identified at this time.

Scene Examination and Evidence
- Fire Analysis: Minimal structural damage observed. Bathroom showed signs of rapid, contained ignition (charred towel and porcelain cracking in tub). Kitchen exhibited grease fire residue on stove; no accelerants detected preliminarily. No electrical faults or gas leaks.
- Forensic Evidence Collected:
- Swabs from burn patterns (handprints on Victim 2).
- Fibers from victims' clothing (consistent with casual urban attire).
- Digital photographs of scene, bodies, and anomalies (e.g., unburnt areas suggesting non-standard heat source).
- Autopsy pending at Odawara City Hospital; toxicology tests requested for foreign substances.
- Security: Premises unsecured; rear window latch broken (consistent with unlawful entry). Footprints in dust match victims' shoe sizes.

Historical Context of Premises
The Nishikawa residence has been abandoned since approximately August 2001, following the unexplained disappearance of the Nishikawa family (parents and two children). Prior to their vanishing, a fire occurred on the second-floor one of the bedrooms on August 15, 2001. The blaze, ruled accidental (overturned lantern), resulted in the recovery of a single charred human remains, identified tentatively as Miyako Nishikawa (The families eldest daughter) burnt beyond recognition. The bed frame remains scorched and intact, with no subsequent renovations. The family members were never located; case classified as missing persons (File: HK-2001-0816-002). No connections to current victims.

Local rumors persist regarding the property being "haunted" due to the prior incident, with anecdotal reports of "unexplained lights" and "whispers." These claims are unsubstantiated and dismissed by this department as folklore. No paranormal investigation warranted.

Investigation Status
- Leads: None identified. Victims' known associates interviewed; no motives or conflicts reported.
- Actions Taken: Scene secured; bodies transferred for autopsy. Canvass of area ongoing. Public advisory issued against trespassing on abandoned properties.
- Recommendations: Escalate to Prefectural Homicide Unit if autopsy reveals non-accidental causes. Re-examine 2001 Nishikawa file for procedural anomalies.

End of Report
Detective Inspector Hiroshi Tanaka
Hakone Police Station
Contact: (****) **-****

*This report is confidential and for official use only.*