A case report on the reconstruction of arson, corpse burning, and postmortem relocation based on burn trace characteristics

Abstract

Forensic identification at fire scenes faces three core challenges: distinguishing cause of death (antemortem burning versus postmortem corpse burning), reconstructing criminal behavior (arson versus accident), and preserving evidence (thermal destruction versus artificial tampering). This case study systematically demonstrates the application value of burn trace characteristics in arson investigation through a typical intentional homicide and corpse burning case. Based on a three-dimensional analytical framework of human burn-behavioral characteristics, a systematic pathway incorporating reconstruction of arson/corpse burning processes and identification of body relocation behavior was established. For arson reconstruction, spatial mapping relationships formed between the suspect's clothing charring gradients and bodily burn distribution, enabling reconstruction of the ignition sequence (left-hand ignition source → left-leaning ignition → exit path reconstruction) through integration with left-handed behavioral traits; this kinematic trajectory exhibits complete behavioral-burn correspondence with burn morphological distribution patterns. Regarding body relocation identification, critical evidence including absence of transition zones in corpse charring areas, stratigraphic inversion between remains and combustion residues, intact preservation of buttock skin in supine position, and protective preservation characteristics of occipital hair collectively constructed spatiotemporal evidence of relocation. This case interlinks burn morphology and human behavioristics to establish a technical paradigm for reconstructing criminal processes in complex fire scenes, providing a replicable empirical model for solving “corpse burning-evidence destruction” cases.