Case Series of Completed Suicides by Burning Over a 13-Year Period

The death records of the King County Medical Examiner’s Office in Washington State from 1996-2009 were examined. 25 cases of suicide by burning were identified & used to characterize decedent demographics, circumstances of death, & motivating factors. Compared to other methods of suicide, burning demonstrated a significant overrepresentation of decedents who were women, 40-59 years of age, & Asian/Pacific Islander. They also tended to have previous psychiatric illness &/or substance abuse issues. Death predominantly occurred at the decedent’s residence with the intent of suicide given. There was no unifying theme in motivating factors. (13 refs.) JA