Japanese nurse arrested for injecting feces into patient's IV line, genetic evidence confirms match

Police in Chiba Prefecture, Japan arrested 51-year-old Miyuki Furukawa on July 15, 2026, on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of a 75-year-old patient, Eiji Aida, in January. Investigators allege that Furukawa used a syringe to inject feces into the patient's intravenous tubing on January 30 at approximately 3:55 a.m., causing the patient's death the following day. Security camera footage captured Furukawa entering and exiting the patient's hospital room multiple times during her shift, though she was not assigned to care for this patient. The footage shows her remaining in the room for approximately one minute during the suspected time of the injection.

Investigators identified the injection point as the "side port" of the IV tubing, where medications are typically administered. A charge nurse discovered the tubing had turned brown and documented the change with photographs before replacing it. Hospital staff observed Furukawa explain her repeated room visits by saying she was concerned about the patient's condition. Genetic testing of bacteria found on Furukawa's nursing uniform matched bacteria detected in both the discolored IV tubing and in the deceased patient's blood, providing forensic corroboration of her involvement.

Police discovered that Furukawa had searched her smartphone for "feces injection, will die" and determined she had access to the hospital's soiled utility room. Investigators believe Furukawa held a grudge against the patient, citing a prior interpersonal conflict, and are continuing to investigate her motive. Furukawa denies the charges. The hospital, Kashiwa Tanaka Hospital, held a press conference on July 16 to apologize to the patient's family and acknowledge the gravity of the incident.