Local police confirmed Sunday evening that the body of a man found on school grounds in central China’s Xinhuang Dong Autonomous County is that of Deng Shiping, a former school staffer who disappeared 16 years ago.

Investigators uncovered Deng’s remains Thursday morning, about two months after the suspected killer, Du Shaoping, was swept up in a crackdown on organized crime. According to police, while in custody, Du confessed to murdering Deng and having him buried under the track and field complex at Xinhuang No. 1 Middle School.

Police also announced Sunday that Du’s uncle, former school principal Huang Bingsong, is under investigation in connection with the case. In an open letter published earlier this year, Deng’s son Deng Lanbing said his father had accused Huang of corruption before he disappeared. According to the letter, Huang was slow to report Deng’s disappearance, which happened during work hours, and spread rumors that Deng had run off after embezzling funds from the school. The police have not yet confirmed the details of the case. (Image: IC)