Fact Check: "Nine dismembered bodies were found in Shiraishi's 'house of horrors.'"
What We Know
Takahiro Shiraishi, infamously known as the "Twitter killer," was convicted of murdering nine individuals in 2017. The case gained notoriety when police discovered dismembered body parts in his apartment located in Zama, Japan, during a search for one of the victims. Reports indicate that the victims, primarily young women aged between 15 and 26, were lured to Shiraishi's home through social media, where he promised to assist them in their suicidal intentions. Upon investigation, police found the remains of nine individuals stored in coolers and toolboxes, leading media outlets to label the location a "house of horrors" (BBC, AP News, New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that "nine dismembered bodies were found in Shiraishi's 'house of horrors'" is supported by multiple credible sources. The BBC reported that Shiraishi's residence was referred to as a "house of horrors" after the discovery of the nine bodies (BBC). Similarly, the New York Times confirmed that the police found the mutilated remains in coolers at his home, which horrified the public due to Japan's generally low crime rates (New York Times).
The Associated Press also corroborated these details, stating that the bodies were hidden in coolers and toolboxes, further emphasizing the gruesome nature of the crime (AP News). The consistency across these reputable news organizations lends significant credibility to the claim.
While Shiraishi's defense team attempted to argue that his victims had consented to their deaths, he later retracted this claim, asserting that he killed without their consent (BBC). This aspect of the case highlights the complexity of the legal arguments surrounding his actions but does not detract from the factual basis of the discovery of the bodies.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that nine dismembered bodies were found in Shiraishi's "house of horrors" is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The evidence presented from various news outlets confirms the details of the horrific murders and the subsequent discovery of the victims' remains.
