KYOTO--The suspect in a deadly arson fire on an animation studio here doused some staff members with gasoline after entering the building, according to investigative sources.

Police believe that Shinji Aoba, 41, under suspicion of murder and arson in connection with the July 18 fire at the No. 1 studio of Kyoto Animation Co., which claimed 34 lives, had a clear intent to kill.

Kyoto prefectural police completed autopsies on July 23 of the 34 victims who died in the attack. All were staff members of Kyoto Animation ranging in age from their 20s to 60s, and more than half were apparently in their 20s or 30s, police sources said.

Aoba entered the studio through the front entrance of the building around 10:35 a.m. on July 18 and is believed to have ignited the fire near the spiral stairway on the first floor.

A small cart, six kitchen knives and a hammer were left near the entrance, police said.

Aoba splashed gasoline from a bucket while shouting “die,” according to sources.

Of the staff members who were rushed to a hospital after suffering severe burns, several had been doused with gasoline.

Aoba, who fled from the building, also suffered burns over his entire body and was taken to a hospital. He remains in critical condition.

Aoba had only several thousand yen on him when he was taken into custody, according to investigative sources.

He is believed to have purchased two portable gasoline containers, each priced at about 3,000 yen ($27.70), the small cart and other items at a hardware store in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, on July 17.

Aoba also bought 40 liters of gasoline at a gas station about 30 minutes before the fire started.