Eric Chalbos

Nicolás Zepeda is a Chilean man who was convicted in France for the 2016 murder of his ex-girlfriend, Narumi Kurosaki, a Japanese student. The case has garnered significant international attention due to the lack of a body and the complex legal proceedings. Zepeda was initially convicted in 2022 and again on appeal in 2023, both times receiving a 28-year prison sentence. However, these verdicts were overturned by the Cour de cassation in 2025 due to procedural errors. Most recently, in March 2026, after a third trial, Zepeda was sentenced to life in prison by the Tribunal de lo Criminal del Ródano in Lyon. The court stated it was convinced "beyond a reasonable doubt" that Zepeda premeditated the murder and disposed of Kurosaki's body. The case remains relevant due to the persistent pursuit of justice for Kurosaki despite the absence of a body and Zepeda's continued denials.