Preaching to the Fire: Evaluating Attributes of Homicides Involving the Use of Fire

Abstract

Using a non-random convenience sample of 71 homicides involving the use of fire, we examined victim, offender, and incident characteristics, with an emphasis on differences between arson homicides (death resulting from incendiary fire) and homicide crime concealment (incendiary fire set to conceal/obfuscate the homicide, victim’s identity, or evidence), offenders with convictions for domestic violence, and multi-offender and multi-victim incidents. Arson homicides and homicide crime concealment were similar in incident characteristics, location, and victim-offender relationships. Child victims were more likely to be present in multi-victim arson homicides and were likely collateral rather than the targeted victim. The presence of an offender with domestic violence or stalking-related convictions was not associated with manner of death or incident characteristics. However, these homicides tended to involve a single victim and not include child victims. As anticipated, current/former intimate partners were overrepresented in homicides perpetrated by offenders with domestic violence convictions. Multi-victim homicides were more likely to occur in the victim’s residence, whereas multi-offender homicides were more likely to involve strangers, occur in roadways, and use an accelerant. Collaboration with certified fire investigators or others specializing in fire investigations is discussed; these subject matter experts are under-utilized.