Former Pharmaceutical Researcher Pleads Not Guilty in Wife's Methanol Poisoning Death

Keisuke Yoshida, a former senior researcher at pharmaceutical firm Daiichi Sankyo, pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of poisoning his wife Yoko with methanol in 2022. Yoshida, 42, told the Tokyo District Court that he had never considered murdering his wife and denied ever giving her methanol.

Prosecutors allege that Yoshida, who used methanol for experiments at work, brought two liters of the chemical to his laboratory before his wife's death. Traces of methanol were also found in a pack of shōchū that Yoko normally drank. The prosecution argues that these facts clearly indicate Yoshida's involvement in his wife's death.

The prosecution further claims that the couple's strained relationship, with both sides expressing dissatisfaction, served as a motive for the alleged murder. They also point to the lack of evidence suggesting involvement by a third party or Yoko's suicidal intent.

Yoshida's defense team, however, maintains that he believed his wife was suffering from a hangover when she vomited shortly before her death. They also dispute the prosecution's claim that methanol was found in the shōchū pack.

The court will hear the case over 14 days, with the final hearing scheduled for October 11th. The verdict is expected on October 30th.