Man suspected of killing six in Liaoning found dead in river

A man suspected of killing six people has been found dead in a river at Qianhu village in Haicheng city of Anshan, Northeast China's Liaoning province, the publicity office of Anshan city government said Thursday afternoon on Sina Weibo, a Twitter-like service in China.

Earlier, Anshan Public Security Bureau had posted a 100,000 yuan ($15,210) reward for information leading to the arrest of the fugitive.

The suspect is 48-year-old Wang Haijun, who is accused of killing his brother-in-law, surnamed Du, as well as Du's wife, three children and unmarried younger sister in Hada village, Haicheng city of Anshan on Tuesday night.

The victims were stabbed and bludgeoned to death, according to a report in Liaoshen Evening News. Five were killed at Du's home, but his second daughter is believed to have been picked up from school by the suspect before being killed later.

Initial reports suggest that the multiple homicide may have been the result of a family dispute.

The bodies of the victims were discovered on Wednesday morning, according to Liaoshen Evening News.

It is said Wang was jobless and debt-ridden due to gambling and opium smoking. He allegedly borrowed money from Du, who made a living raising geese and was not rich.

Local authorities refused to release further details as the case is still under investigation.