Family bring butchered girl's remains home

Lucie Blackman's remains were found buried in a cave

LONDON, England -- The family of murdered British hostess Lucie Blackman have returned home with her remains.

Blackman's dismembered body was found two weeks ago in Japan buried in a seaside cave near one of the homes of wealthy property developer Joji Obara.

He is currently on trial facing charges of drugging and raping three women. He has denied the charges.

On Saturday, her mother, Jane Blackman, arrived at London's Heathrow Airport after leaving Japan.

Blackman and her remaining children Sophie, 20, and Rupert, 17, declined to talk to waiting reporters. Lucie's father Tim arrived in Britain on Friday.

Lucie, 22, from Sevenoaks in southeast England, disappeared on July 1 last year after a going for a drive with a man. She had been working as a bar hostess in Tokyo.

Police found her butchered body three weeks ago in a seaside cave not far from a beach-front condominium owned by Obara.

Obara has denied any involvement in Blackman's disappearance and death, but police have continued their investigation for possible links.

Police have collected more than 10,000 pieces of evidence that include videotapes of Obara allegedly assaulting and raping women he lured to his apartment and made unconscious with drinks spiked with knock-out pills or chloroform.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Blackman suspect pleads not guilty to rape
February 27, 2001
New clue found in Briton murder hunt
February 17, 2001

Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Japanese Police

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