Ex-husband charged with Japanese woman’s murder in Budapest: Arson, death list, and a chilling history of threats
A 45-year-old Irish national, David A., faces murder charges following the death of his Japanese ex-wife, Megumi, whose body was discovered in a charred Budapest apartment on 29 January. The case has sparked outrage as details emerge of a years-long pattern of threats, a clandestine weapons cache, and a chilling “death list” targeting even his own parents.
Background and the tragic incident
David and Megumi, who had lived in Hungary for over a decade, divorced after their relationship deteriorated. While their two children (a 10-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter) remained with Megumi, David relocated to the Netherlands but frequently returned to Budapest. During visits, he stayed in Megumi’s apartment in the city’s 5th district.
On the morning of 29 January, David claims he took his daughter swimming and returned to find the apartment ablaze. However, police disproved his alibi using CCTV footage, concluding he deliberately set the fire that killed Megumi, Blikk writes.
Custody battle and family dynamics
The children are currently with foster parents, though relatives from both sides are expected in Hungary to determine long-term custody. Notably, David’s parents—despite being on his alleged “death list”—reportedly supported Megumi during their son’s threats. According to lawyer Júlia Spronz, the suspect had a fraught relationship with his father and stepmother, whom he also threatened lethally.
A history of violence and firearm obsession
- Death threats: David allegedly maintained a list of individuals he intended to harm, including Megumi and his parents.
- Weapons cache: Police confiscated firearms from the apartment, which Megumi had repeatedly expressed fear about. Neighbours initially perceived David as a devoted father, but social media posts revealed he took the children to shooting ranges and allowed them to handle guns.
Ongoing investigation
The Budapest Police Headquarters confirmed the firearms’ seizure but declined further comment as the homicide probe continues. The case has reignited debates about domestic violence protections and firearm regulations in Hungary.
This article synthesises reports from Hungarian news sources. Key details remain subject to ongoing judicial review.
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- BREAKING NEWS: Japanese mother killed by her ex-husband in a downtown apartment fire in Budapest – UPDATE
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Every man who makes the choice to physically attack a female of any age needs to be immediately nuetered. Even in this day and age, women depend on men to be protectors. That is a social agreement we have in a society that has come out of caves.
This man had total disregard for his children, for othersm and comunal property to which he had no right of ownership by setting a fire. He sees himself as being above laws, he will be a threat to other prisoners if he is not nuetralized by haveing his scrotum removed.
How the courts deal with him for all other charges, is above and beyond the initial punishement to take his aggresiveness away thru surgery.