Killing of Yoshihiro Hattori

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LOVE (Indiana)
Killing of Yoshihiro Hattori
LocationBaton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
DateOctober 17, 1992
Attack type
Manslaughter
WeaponsRevolver
Deaths1


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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]


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