Manhunt ends as fugitive ex-cop dies in cabin blaze

A former police officer linked to a killing spree targeting police and their families is believed to have died in a rural cabin that burned down around him in a fiery end to a massive California manhunt, authorities said.

Police were awaiting forensic analysis to confirm charred remains found inside the cabin in the wooded hills of the San Bernardino National Forest were that of Christopher Dorner.

Authorities including Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said the man who had barricaded himself inside the cabin was almost certainly Dorner, 33.