China has confirmed the death of the North Korean army deserter who reportedly killed four Chinese people last month.
 
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a statement posted Wednesday on the ministry’s Web site that the soldier died from injuries he suffered during his capture.
 
Hong added that Pyongyang has expressed regret over the incident and “extended sympathies” to the families of the victims. The consolation comes after China lodged a complaint with the North on Monday over the matter.
 
Calling it an individual criminal case, Hong said the two countries are conducting a follow-up investigation and dealing with the aftermath according to the law.
 
On December 27, a North Korean Army deserter reportedly killed four Chinese residents in the city of Helong in Jilin Province, after crossing the border in search of food.