An active-duty Airman stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan, was found dead in his off-base residence May 28.
At 4:30 p.m. that day, Japanese authorities notified Misawa Air Base officials that Special Agent Mashkhur Mukhamadiev, who worked with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, was found dead at his home.
According to Japanese police, Mukhamadiev appeared to have suffered from a gunshot wound. However, the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation. No other suspicious or criminal activity was reported. Japanese responders transported Mukhamadiev to Hirosaki Medical Department at Hirosaki University.
"Misawa Air Base is saddened by the death of Agent Mukhamadiev," said Col. Michael Rothstein, the 35th Fighter Wing commander. "Our prayers are with him and everyone affected by this incident."
A weapon was found at the scene, believed to be Mukhamadiev's duty weapon, according to officials. As a U.S. federal agent, Mukhamadiev was part of a very limited group of U.S. law enforcement officers authorized to carry a weapon off base, in accordance with the U.S. - Japan Status of Forces Agreement and U.S. Forces Japan instructions, to ensure timely response to law enforcement matters. The vast majority of service members at Misawa AB do not fit this criteria and do not possess weapons on or off base.
Misawa AB officials said they are coordinating with Japanese authorities during the investigation.
