Citation

Bohnert M, Rothschild MA. Forensic Sci. Int. 2003; 131(2-3): 197-201.

Affiliation

Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 9, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany. bohnert@ukl.uni-freiburg.de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12590059

Abstract

Among the few cases of suicidal self-incineration primary or secondary complex suicides are a rarity. Accordingly the number of reports on this subject in the forensic literature is small. In a retrospective analysis of the Freiburg and Berlin autopsy material, four cases were found within an observation period of 11 years. These are described together with seven other cases reported in the literature. Altogether most of these suicides are primary combinations, especially with falls from a height. Other combinations include hanging or the infliction of stabs, cuts or gunshot injuries. The sex and age distribution is similar to that found for suicide by self-incineration alone.

Language: en