Killing of Yoshihiro Hattori

LOVE (Indiana)

1992 manslaughter of Japanese exchange student in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US

  [[File:|frameless|alt=]]

Native name
Location	Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
Coordinates
Date	October 17, 1992
Target
Attack type	Manslaughter
Weapons	Revolver
Deaths	1
Injured
Victim

The killing of Yoshihiro Hattori occurred on October 17, 1992, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States. Yoshihiro Hattori, a Japanese exchange student, was fatally shot by Rodney Peairs, a resident of Baton Rouge. The incident drew significant media attention and led to discussions about gun control laws in the United States.

Background

Yoshihiro Hattori was a 16-year-old exchange student from Nagoya, Japan. He was staying with the Haymaker family in Baton Rouge as part of the American Field Service program. On the night of October 17, 1992, Hattori and his host brother, Webb Haymaker, were on their way to a Halloween party.

Incident

Hattori and Haymaker mistakenly arrived at the Peairs' residence, believing it to be the location of the party. When they approached the house, Peairs' wife, Bonnie, became alarmed and called for her husband. Rodney Peairs, armed with a .44 Magnum revolver, confronted the two teenagers. Despite Hattori's attempts to explain that they were looking for a party, Peairs shot him, believing him to be a threat.

Legal Proceedings

Rodney Peairs was charged with manslaughter. During the trial, Peairs claimed that he had acted in self-defense, fearing for his family's safety. The jury ultimately acquitted Peairs of all charges, a decision that sparked outrage both in the United States and Japan.

Aftermath

The killing of Yoshihiro Hattori led to increased calls for stricter gun control laws in the United States. Hattori's parents, Masaichi and Mieko Hattori, became prominent advocates for gun control, establishing the Yoshihiro Hattori Memorial Fund to promote international understanding and gun control legislation.

Legacy

The incident remains a significant case in discussions about gun control and self-defense laws in the United States. It also highlighted cultural differences between the United States and Japan regarding the perception and use of firearms.

See also

• Gun politics in the United States
• Stand-your-ground law
• List of homicides in Louisiana