Yuki Osako

The suspects were identified as nursing-caregiver Chie Osako, 36, and Michiko Kawaguchi, 38, both residents of Osaka.

They allegedly caused the 2002 death of Osako's son, Yuki, by confining him and not giving him enough food.

Yuki was confined in his home for about 19 months. He weighed just 19 kg at the time of his death, police said, adding that this is about the weight of an average 5-year-old.

Although the boy died in 2002, the two suspects were only arrested Jan. 15. Police said that the investigation was time-consuming as they had to carefully probe whether there was intent to kill.

Yuki did not go to school during the time he was confined. School officials said March 5 that they had believed the suspects' claims that the boy was sick.

The Japan Times Weekly: March 13, 2004
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