As rare as it has been, the peculiar death of Mary Reeser is not the only case linked to the possible occurrence of spontaneous human combustion.
It is, however, something of a landmark because, for the first time, the investigation to determine the plausibility of spontaneous human combustion undertook the full extent of modern forensic techniques by 1950s standard.
Despite relentless police works, assisted by the fire departments and pathologists, there was no conclusive finding to explain what had happened to her.
The FBI also helped with the investigation, but similarly, the Bureau was baffled despite their technology and resources.
