Ma Yongdong stands trial in a court?in Pengyang county, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Feb 17, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

YINCHUAN -?A man in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region pleaded guilty to killing his wife and six of her family members last October, a local court said on Monday.

Prosecutors said Ma Yongdong killed his wife, his parents in-law, grandparents in-law and two nieces in their home in Pengyang on the night of October 14 last year, motivated by a grudge against his father-in-law over marriage and family issues.

Ma pleaded guilty to the seven murders and said he regretted the crime he committed.

More than 100 people attended Monday's hearing, including relatives of the suspect and the victims. The court has not announced a verdict.