Japan has executed Takahiro Shiraishi, the man dubbed the “Twitter Killer,” for the 2017 murders and dismemberment of nine people he lured via social media. Shiraishi, 34, was hanged at the Tokyo Detention House, marking the country’s first use of capital punishment in nearly three years.
Using a social media account that loosely translates to “hangman,” Shiraishi targeted vulnerable individuals, many of whom had expressed suicidal thoughts online. He used Twitter, now known as X, to attract his victims.
His crimes shocked the nation and raised questions about both mental health support and capital punishment policy in Japan.
According to a CNN Report:
“He caused great shock and unrest to society,” said Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki, who signed off on the execution. “It is not appropriate to abolish the death penalty while these violent crimes are still being committed.”
Twitter Killer Lured Through Social Media
