1556-4029/asset/JFO_centre.gif?v=1&s=cb01b17592beaa23e3868f407a3a84173cff67e6)
1556-4029/asset/JFO_right.gif?v=1&s=e0b177c62632ea2f62c2f9c54d4b0556019a23a7)
CASE REPORT ANTHROPOLOGY; PATHOLOGY/BIOLOGY
So-called Spontaneous Human Combustion
Article first published online: 10 MAR 2011
DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01746.x
© 2011 American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Additional Information
How to Cite
Levi-Faict, T. W. and Quatrehomme, G. (2011), So-called Spontaneous Human Combustion. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 56: 1334–1339. doi: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01746.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 2 SEP 2011
- Article first published online: 10 MAR 2011
- Received 15 Jan. 2010; and in revised form 8 April 2010; accepted 6 June 2010.
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- forensic science;
- forensic anthropology;
- spontaneous human combustion;
- physical anthropology;
- autopsy;
- burned remains;
- cremains;
- burned bones;
- arson;
- criminal behavior
Abstract: A well-documented case of so-called Spontaneous Human Combustion is reported. Review of the literature shows that these strange observations have been reported since the 17th century, even in famous novels. There are several main features that may lead to help the diagnosis: the vicinity of the body is intact or nearly intact, some parts of the body are turned into ashes (usually the middle third of the body), whereas other parts are intact or nearly intact, burning of the body usually occurs postmortem, the cause of death is usually natural, there is often (but not always) high concentrations of blood alcohol, there is a source of heat near the body. It is indispensable to rule out a homicide by the examination of the body in situ, the autopsy, the toxicological and histopathological samples, the arson assessment, and a thorough police inquiry.