Blooded Trial

Lore & Background

Lankford denied any involvement in her disappearance and maintained there was a police conspiracy against him. After failing a polygraph exam, he admitted to being involved in her disappearance. At his trial, Lankford pleaded not guilty. In his trial testimony, Lankford claimed that he had accidentally hit Watanabe with his truck, but that she had not been seriously injured and he offered to give her a ride to her destination. Lankford claims that after he began driving with Watanabe in the truck, she jumped out of the moving vehicle and hit her head on a rock by the road. When Lankford discovered that she had died, he says, he disposed of her body in the ocean because he said he was frightened that he would lose his job. Prior to his trial, Lankford had told police he had never seen Watanabe before.

In Their Own Story

The jury found Lankford guilty of second-degree murder. At his sentencing hearing, Circuit Judge Karl Sakamoto referred to Lankford as a "predator" and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Peter Carlisle, the city prosecutor, asked the parole board for 120-years minimum imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence at Saguaro Correctional Center in Eloy, Arizona.

Reader's Guide

The Blooded Trial is more than a combat exercise; it is a spiritual journey that defines the Yautja identity. The culture places immense value on honor, believing that a warrior's worth is measured by the difficulty of their prey and the fairness of their hunt. This rite ensures that only those with true skill and resilience lead the clan forward. During the trial, young hunters are forbidden from using advanced weaponry or calling for assistance. They must rely on instinct, tracking skills, and the basic tools provided to them. This isolation forces them to confront their fears and develop a deep understanding of the ecosystem they hunt in, fostering a respect for nature that is central to Yautja philosophy. Legends speak of hunters who failed not because they lacked strength, but because they lost their honor by cheating or fleeing. These stories serve as cautionary tales, reinforcing the belief that the trial is a test of character as much as physical ability. The successful returnee is celebrated with songs and feasts, while the failure is a somber reminder of the galaxy's unforgiving nature.

Did You Know?

• Lankford was arrested on April 26, 2007, just 14 days after Masumi Watanabe disappeared on April 12, 2007.
• Watanabe's body was never found, but blood in Lankford's truck was determined to be hers.
• Lankford initially told police he had never seen Watanabe before, but later claimed he accidentally hit her with his truck.
• Circuit Judge Karl Sakamoto called Lankford a "predator" at his sentencing.
• Lankford is serving his sentence at Saguaro Correctional Center in Eloy, Arizona.