A Washington state man has been accused of killing his wife just two weeks after they were married.
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According to court documents obtained by USA Today, Brent Sachio Isaac Hamamoto, 35, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 36-year-old Yiwen Lu. The couple reportedly got married on Jan. 16.
Hamamoto and Lu also shared a 1-year-old son, according to a probable cause statement filed by a detective with the King County Sheriff’s Office.
According to prosecutors, Hamamoto shot his wife while she was in bed at their home in Issaquah, outside of Seattle.
He then “moved closer and shot the victim a second time to ensure her death,” prosecutors claim.
They also allege that Hamamoto used a gun he “had only purchased the day before.”
The couple had reportedly dated for at least two years before getting married in January, according to the court documents.
However, their relationship was fraught with turmoil.
Brent Sachio Isaac Hamamoto and Yiwen Lu Reportedly Had a Tense Relationship
Hamamoto filed for a protection order against Lu in September 2024, alleging he was a victim of domestic violence. He also said that Lu threatened to take their son to China.
“She has been saying for a while that she will only stay if we get married,” he wrote in the protection order, per USA Today. “Yiwen has threatened both to kill herself and our son, or to take him away to China or a shelter to make it so I cannot see him ever again.”
As for the domestic violence charges, Hamamoto said that Lu had sexually assaulted him. He also alleged that she had harmed their child by “waking him up, taking his food, [and] leaving him unattended in unsafe places.”
“She took my son out of the car in the middle of a busy street in Bellevue a few weeks ago when she was mad at me, walking across at least two lanes,” he wrote in the claim. “She has threatened to kill my son twice .”
The Couple’s Relationship Included Allegations of Abuse and Sexual Assault
Legal records filed in King County Superior Court also included screenshots of texts from Lu to Hamamoto, in which she appears to reference the alleged sexual assault.
“I’m really sorry,” she reportedly wrote. “I thought it’s totally different for guys. I thought guys always want it… I didn’t mean to rape you. And u know that.”
Lu was reportedly shot and killed on Thursday, Jan. 30. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled the death a homicide, according to court documents.
Hamamoto reportedly first fled the scene with his son, but later turned himself in to police in Sammamish, Washington.
Investigators found that he purchased a 9-millimeter gun just one day before Yu was found dead in the couple’s bed with two shell casings by her body. The serial numbers matched the gun Hamamoto had purchased.
Hamamoto Is Now Accused of Killing His Wife
Upon apprehending Hamamoto, investigators said the child with him “appeared to be in good health,” according to court documents.
Hamamoto is being held at the King County Jail on a $3 million bail, officials confirmed. If convicted, he faces 15-24 years in prison.
His next court date is scheduled for Feb. 13.
This story contains mention of suicide and possible domestic violence. If you or someone you know are at risk of suicide, please contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support. Those facing domestic abuse can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit its website for a virtual chat.