The body of a suspected double-murderer was discovered in a river after he admitted to killing a mother and her daughter. Kenji Oyama, aged 42, allegedly fatally stabbed his neighbors in Japan but was released by the police despite confessing to the crime. Authorities now suspect him of being the main perpetrator in the murders of Sumie Tanaka, 74, and her 52-year-old daughter, Chihiro, even though their bodies were found six days after the incident.

Before the victims were discovered, Oyama informed the police about the killing, mentioning the location of the crime scene. However, due to the lack of evidence like a weapon or blood-stained clothing, the confession was not reported to the homicide detectives. Oyama was considered a low credibility suspect and was released, only to vanish when seen near the victims’ residence by a neighbor.

A search for Oyama commenced on May 24, five days after the bodies were found, and concluded with the discovery of his lifeless body in the Nakagawa river. Police also recovered blood-stained clothing at his father’s empty residence. Despite an extensive manhunt involving hundreds of officers, Oyama’s body was only located recently, approximately 13 km away from the crime scene.

An autopsy revealed minor hand injuries and signs of malnutrition on Oyama’s body, but due to advanced decomposition, the exact cause of death remains undetermined.