An Autopsy Study of Homicide and Arson-54 Cases SciDoc Publishers | Open Access | Science Journals | Media Partners

Arson [1] is the crime of intentionally and maliciously setting fire to buildings, wildland areas [2], vehicles [3,4] or other property with the intent to cause damage. More often than not, arsonists use accelerants (such as gasoline or kerosene) to ignite, propel, and directionalize fires. Arson crimes committed to conceal other crime, is sometimes done by criminals who aren't really 'arsonists'. Some criminals commit arson as a backup crime, to hide their main crime, like murder. When arson is committed to conceal another crime, it usually becomes apparent when no other arson crime is committed in the same vicinity (since most arsonists who commit serial arson live nearby the crime sight and keep committing arson). Arson crimes that don't seem to generate a financial payoff to the potential suspect also lend themselves to being more revenge-motivated or committed in order to aid in covering up another crime. The arsonist who commits arson to cover up the crime of murder typically acts alone and under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He is usually single (four out of five) and does not always reside in the vicinity of where the crime occurred [Holmes Holmes.2008] [5].The present prospective study was carried out during the period 2009 to 2012. With a total of 54 cases of Murder wherein Arson was adopted to Conceal the Murder, were studied during this period. It is not unusual for an Arsonist to deliberately set fire to the property of another or to one's own property as to collect insurance compensation [6]. It has been well established, that despite their efforts, the Identity and Crime is well analysed by Meticulous Crime scene examination, Autopsy and Ancillary Investigations. In the present study all those Cases of Homicides wherein Arson was used as a mode to conceal the Crime and the Identity of the Victim were extensively analysed. The materials retrieved from the Crime scene and during Autopsy helped in establishing the Identity of the Victim, and Circumstances surrounding the Death. Further the Autopsy examination confirmed the Causes of Death, other than due to effects of Fire. All this factors helped the Investigators to establish the Motive behind the Crime