Abe murder suspect says life destroyed by mother’s religion

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — The alleged assassin of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was born into an affluent but troubled family. Tetsuya Yamagami is accused of fatally shooting Abe as the powerful conservative leader gave a campaign speech in July. A glimpse into the suspect’s painful childhood has led to a surprising amount of sympathy in Japan, where three decades of economic malaise and social disparity have left many feeling isolation and unease. His alleged crime has also shed light on the lack of protection for children who suffer because of their families’ links to a controversial church where the suspect’s mother was a member.