Journal Published Online: 01 September 2003
Volume 48, Issue 5

Suicide by Fire in a Car Trunk: A Case with Potential Pitfalls

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

We present an unusual case in which an adult female committed suicide by fire while enclosed in the trunk of her vehicle. A finding of suicide was reached only because several key investigative facts were uncovered. Without these discoveries the case may still remain open as a suspicious death. Fire is rarely used as a mechanism of suicide in Western culture, and, as such, similar cases should be reported to advance our recognition of this phenomenon.

Author Information

Adair, TW
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, Centennial, CO
DeLong, L
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Ofice, Centennial, CO
Dobersen, MJ
Arapahoe County Coroner's Office, Centennial, CO
Sanamo, S
Arapahoe County Coroner's Office, Centennial, CO
Young, R
Littleton Fire Department, Littleton, CO
Oliver, B
Littleton Fire Department, Littleton, CO
Rotter, T
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, Centennial, CO
Pages: 4
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JFS2002367
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2002367