Police Make A Grisly Discovery At Popular Zoo’s Crematorium

A phone call from worried relatives has led to a shocking discovery and the arrest of 33-year-old suspect.

On April 23, police in Hokkaido, Japan, received a phone call from the concerned relatives of a 33-year-old woman named Suzuki Yui. They had been unable to get in touch with her since late March and were concerned for her well-being.

Yui’s husband, zookeeper Suzuki Tatsuya, is suspected of transporting Yui’s body to Asahiyama Zoo around March 31 and burning her remains in the zoo’s incinerator. When police searched the crematorium, they uncovered human bones. Tatsuya reportedly admitted to the allegations while in police custody.

Police have not said how Yui died, but during questioning, Tatsuya admitted to burning his wife’s body “for a few hours.” Prior to her death,  Yui also told her family members that Tatsuya had threatened to burn her until no trace of her remained.

The investigation is ongoing.