Rina Shimabukuro is seen in this image from a Fuji Television broadcast. Kenneth Franklin Gadson has been charged with murder and rape resulting in death in the case of the 20-year-old Okinawan woman. (Fuji Television screengrab)
Rina Shimabukuro is seen in this image from a Fuji Television broadcast. Kenneth Franklin Gadson has been charged with murder and rape resulting in death in the case of the 20-year-old Okinawan woman. (Fuji Television screengrab)
Marine Corps officials announced Friday that the period of unity and mourning will end Tuesday. The reflection period began May 27 following the slaying of Rina Shimabukuro, whose death is linked to a U.S. civilian contractor from Kadena Air Base. (Scott Reel/U.S. Marine Corps)
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — The period of unity and mourning that was imposed for U.S. forces on Okinawa following the slaying of a 20-year-old woman will end Tuesday.
Established U.S. Forces Japan liberty policies will continue in effect “with a few modifications,” according to a statement issued Friday by III Marine Expeditionary Force. All celebrations and concerts, including fireworks displays associated with the July 4th holiday, already had been canceled.
Cinderella Liberty went into effect May 27 after a U.S. civilian base worker, Kenneth Franklin Gadson, was arrested in connection with the death of Rina Shimabukuro. He has been charged with illegally disposing of her body, and police have recommended additional charges of murder and rape resulting in death.
“We are part of the Okinawan community, and share in mourning and honoring the victim, her family, and grieve with the people of Okinawa,” the statement said. “On behalf of all U.S. forces, we continue to stand united with the people of Okinawa during this time of mourning. Our prayers, thoughts and condolences are offered to the family, friends and loved ones who lost their family member tragically.”
The modified restrictions say:
• No overnight liberty, special liberty or leave between midnight and 5 a.m. in areas south of Camp Kinser, except for armed forces personnel performing official duties. • All uniformed personnel must depart establishments providing alcohol by midnight, and all off-installation liberty ends at 1 a.m. for all ranks, with a 1-5 a.m. curfew in effect daily. All must return to their off-base homes or hotels by 1 a.m. • All personnel E-5 and below must have a liberty buddy when off base or on off-base liberty. • Exceptions may be granted by O-6-level commanding officers for approved pre-existing or other compelling reasons on a case-by-case basis.
The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice, military officials announced.
