A 40-day deadline set for a mammoth review of the Department of Justice is "ridiculously short" and belies the fundamental review needed, a leading expert has said.

A gunman opened fire today in a rental home occupied by 20 young partygoers, killing six and critically injuring at least one other before committing suicide when confronted by police outside.

Layne Staley, lead singer and guitarist for the US band Alice in Chains, has been found dead at his Seattle home, authorities said. He was 34.