Police in the US state of Michigan say a suspected killer of seven people has committed suicide after an 8-hour manhunt and standoff. The two hostages he held are safe.

Police officers in the city of Grand Rapids say the suspect, Rodrick Dantzler, released a 53-year-old woman but still held two others before he shot himself in the head.

A manhunt for Dantzler began after 4 people were found dead in one home and three were found in another across town. Two of the victims were children.

Police say they have not determined Dantzler's relationship to the victims and motives.