When we last heard about the Kyoto Animation arsonist, Shinji Aoba, he had been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he was mentally fit to be held criminally liable for the 30+ murders he allegedly committed two years ago when he set Kyoto Animation on fire. The results of that psych exam found that he was mentally competent enough to be charged for his crimes and we thought that the trial would begin soon after that.
In an update that hit the news wires on Tuesday, October 19th, it seems that the criminal trial will be delayed a while longer as a second round of psychological exams has been ordered, this time by the defense team. While it is believed that these exams have already begun, it will take a while before the results come in and, should Aoba be found mentally competent again, the trial can begin in earnest.
Background
On July 17th, 2019, a man named Shinji Aoba approached Kyoto Animation with a can of gasoline and set it on fire, killing over 30 people and endangering over 30 others. He was arrested near the scene with life-threatening burns on his body. After undergoing treatment for his burns, Aoba was formally indicted for his alleged crimes in May 2020. During the investigation into the incident, Aoba stated that he believed Kyoto Animation had ripped off his idea (specifically the BBQ scene in the archery series Tsurune). As mentioned, Aoba has already undergone one round of mental exams and was found mentally competent to stand trial for his alleged crimes.
Reporting on this case is always challenging for me as a writer. I can’t assume guilt but every time I think about those poor souls who lost their lives in the initial attack, I am filled with quiet rage. We’re just fortunate that Kyoto Animation has found the ability to bounce back from this tragedy and is back to its usual antics.
Sources: Nikkan Sports, Esuteru, Crunchyroll News
