By Li Hongmei

The aunt of the boy whose eyes were gouged out in a horrific attack in north China's Shanxi province last month has been named as the prime suspect, reports the Chinese-language Beijing News.

The six-year-old boy, known as Binbin, was abducted near his home in Fenxi county on the afternoon of Aug. 24. He was found later with his face covered in blood and both of his eyes removed. Initial local media reports said the boy's eyes were later found nearby with the corneas missing - suggesting an organ trafficker was behind the attack - though local police later denied that the corneas were taken.

Police have since identified Binbin's aunt, 41-year-old Zhang Huiying, as the prime suspect after DNA testing revealed his blood on her clothing. However, according to the state newswire Xinhua, Zhang killed herself six days after the incident by jumping into a well near her home on Aug. 30. She was not at that time considered a suspect.

The motivation behind the attack, which has caused shock around the world, is now said to be related to maintenance fees Zhang and Binbin's parents were paying for their disabled elderly father, which had allegedly caused great friction between the two families.

With her husband unable to work due to a rib injury, Zhang reportedly supported her family by working at a chicken farm where she made less than 2,000 yuan (US$325) a month. One of her daughters recently had a tumor removed, with the costly operation paid for by borrowed funds.

Zhang's sister and the sister's husband are also said to be implicated, though this has not yet been confirmed by authorities.

The local public security bureau is making the case a top priority and will be making an announcement on the crime shortly, Xinhua said.