d: 2012

Yasutoshi Matsuda

Summary

Name:

Yasutoshi Matsuda

Years Active:

2001

Status:

Executed

Class:

Murderer

Victims:

2

Method:

Stabbing / Strangulation / Suffocation

Death:

March 29, 2012

Nationality:

Japan

d: 2012

Yasutoshi Matsuda

Summary: Murderer

Name:

Yasutoshi Matsuda

Status:

Executed

Victims:

2

Method:

Stabbing / Strangulation / Suffocation

Nationality:

Japan

Death:

March 29, 2012

Years Active:

2001

Date Convicted:

January 24, 2003

Bio

Yasutoshi Matsuda was born in 1967 in Japan. By the time of the crimes, he was unemployed and facing financial problems. During his trial, defense lawyers said he had a troubled upbringing that affected his character and decision-making. They asked the court to consider his background and spare him from the death penalty.

Prosecutors argued that Matsuda deliberately targeted women who lived alone in order to steal money for living expenses and entertainment. The court accepted that the crimes were financially motivated and planned. In late 2001, his name became widely known after he was arrested for two murders in Miyazaki Prefecture.

Murder Story

In late 2001, Yasutoshi Matsuda committed two robbery murders in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. His first victim was 53-year-old Toshiko Hashida, a bar operator, whom he stabbed and strangled before stealing cash from her home.

On December 7, 2001, he killed his second victim, 82-year-old Morie Manako, who ran a cigarette shop. Prosecutors said he entered her residence, strangled her, and stole about 630,000 yen. Matsuda was arrested and charged with both murders. Prosecutors said the crimes were planned and motivated by money.

On January 24, 2003, the Miyazaki District Court sentenced him to death. Japan’s Supreme Court later upheld the sentence in February 2007. Yasutoshi Matsuda was executed by hanging at the Fukuoka Detention House on March 29, 2012, alongside two other death row inmates.

Like what you're reading?

Join our mailing list for exclusive content you won't find anywhere else. You'll receive a free chapter from our e-book, increased chances to win our t-shirt giveaways, and special discounts on merch.