Crime Solvers Central
CSC
263 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
James Wakasa death by force case profile photo

James Hatsuaki Wakasa

Case from Topaz War Relocation Center, UT dated Apr 11, 1943

Victim Details

James Hatsuaki Wakasa

Male

Asian

Topaz War Relocation Center

UT

1943-04-11

65

James

Hatsuaki Wakasa

06/29/2026

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
In the desolate landscape of the Topaz War Relocation Center in Utah, a 63-year-old Asian man named James Hatsuaki Wakasa, a chef by profession, met a tragic end on the evening of April 11, 1943. After finishing his dinner, he was taking his dog for a walk near the barbed-wire fence that enclosed the camp, a routine act in a life defined by confinement. It was during this walk that a single bullet fired by a military sentry from a guard tower struck him in the chest, ending his life. Having immi ...
MEMBER ACCESS

Continue reading the complete case summary

Unlock the full case narrative for James Hatsuaki Wakasa, all available source links, additional videos, and member discussions.

Unlock Full Case Access — $3.97/month
Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in

Links to Additional Sources (16)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Homicide in camp | Densho Encyclopedia
  • Topaz Remembers James Hatsuaki Wakasa – Pacific Citizen
    • MEMBER ACCESS

    Unlock 14 additional sources

    View the complete collection of available reporting and reference links for this case.

    View All Case Sources — $3.97/month
    Cancel anytime.
    Already a member? Log in

    Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (2)

    I’ve been reflecting on the efforts made by the internees to honor James Hatsuaki Wakasa after his... ...Read More
    04/22/2024
    Has anyone else been struck by the eerie parallels between the treatment of Wakasa's memorial and th... ...Read More
    06/01/2023
    MEMBER ACCESS

    Join the discussion for James Hatsuaki Wakasa

    Read full forum posts and contribute to this case discussion.

    Unlock forum access — $3.97/month
    Already a member? Log in

    Other Cases from Utah

    Albert William Spatz death by force case in Ogden, UT

    Albert William Spatz

    Death: May 06, 1988
    On a February evening in 1988, 67-year-old Caucasian male Albert William Spatz was walking home afte t ...Read More
    Zackary Taylor Kempke death by force case in Hyrum, UT

    Zackary Taylor Kempke

    Death: Sep 23, 2018
    Zackary Kempke, a 14-year-old Caucasian male, was enjoying a Sunday afternoon drive with his parents t ...Read More
    Ryan Prendergast death by force case in Salt Lake City, UT

    Ryan Prendergast

    Death: Apr 26, 2021
    In the pre-dawn hours of April 26, 2021, the life of 21-year-old Ryan Prendergast, a Caucasian male, e ...Read More
    Davis Shane Anderson death by force case in Millcreek , UT

    Davis Shane Anderson

    Death: Apr 27, 2015
    In the quiet community of Millcreek, Utah, a life was abruptly cut short on April 27, 2015. Davis Sh S ...Read More
    Marquez Grajeda death by force case in Salt Lake City, UT

    Marquez Grajeda

    Death: Feb 05, 2019
    On a Tuesday afternoon, February 5, 2019, tragedy struck in a West Valley City home, forever alterin i ...Read More
    Isaac Ignacio Gonzalez death by force case in Ogden, UT

    Isaac Ignacio Gonzalez

    Death: Jan 09, 2020
    In the quiet evening of January 9, 2020, in Ogden, Utah, the life of 21-year-old Hispanic male Isaac a ...Read More
    Gavin Haight death by force case in Enoch, UT

    Gavin Haight

    Death: Jan 04, 2023
    In a quiet home in Enoch, Utah, the life of 4-year-old Caucasian male, Gavin Haight, was tragically y ...Read More