Original scientific paper
Criminal and forensic investigation of arson intended to obtain material benefit
Kristina Žunić
orcid.org/0009-0001-1458-6052
; University Department of Forensic Science, University of Split, Split Croatia
Abstract
The aim of this article is to present criminalistically and forensically important traces that point to arson and to possible motives for arson with an emphasis on those for gaining material benefit. Connecting these traces with for the investigation important pre-fire, during the fire and post-fire clues that point to possible perpetrators and their helpers and/or principals is important for proving and prosecuting a (possibly serious) criminal offence against general safety by causing a fire (according to Articles 215 and 222 CC of the Republic of Croatia). All found traces and objects should be properly forensically interpreted in order to be accepted as evidence in court. This article presents an account of five cases of arson in the USA in which, thanks to the quality work of investigators in finding clues and connecting them with for the investigation significant circumstantial evidence, the perpetrators of the crime of arson were successfully prosecuted. The results of the analysis of the mentioned cases indicate the need to pay special attention during the arson investigation to the means used to start the fire, the place of outbreak and the way the fire spread, the motive and occasion for the arson. The insurance policy, financial statements and other relevant documents can help investigators identify the perpetrator of the crime of arson, if it is determined that the cause of arson was human action and/or general dangerous means. Arson for the purpose of obtaining insurance by defrauding the insurance company is extremely difficult to prove. A multidisciplinary approach to research and constant work on acquiring new knowledge, along with studying the characteristics of known examples of arson, are the basis for quality resolution of arson cases and the prosecution of perpetrators of this crime.
Keywords
arson; motives for arson; evidence/circumstantial evidence of arson; traces of arson; arson for gaining material benefit
Hrčak ID:
313986
URI
Publication date:
28.12.2023.
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