According to the court, Haruno Sakamoto conspired with her younger sister and brother-in-law to suffocate her 54-year-old husband at her house in Muroto, Kochi Prefecture, in January 1987, and obtained about ¥50 million in life insurance.

In August 1992, she killed a 60-year-old woman in conspiracy with a former insurance agent to obtain insurance money.

"The defendant's acts were cruel and heartless," presiding Judge Osamu Tsuno said. "The defendant planned and played the leading role in the murders."

The Japan Times Weekly: Nov. 27, 2004
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