Brezovice Near Cacak: Man Dies After Fire, Autopsy Ordered

Predrag M. (77) from the village of Brezovice near Cacak died at the Clinical Center in Belgrade after a fire he reportedly set at his son’s house. Because of suspicion that burns were not the only cause of death, an urgent autopsy has been ordered. He was buried on October 24 at the local cemetery in Brezovice.

What happened on Tomindan?

The fire broke out on the family’s slava, Tomindan, on October 19. Most sources place Brezovice near Cacak, while one puts it near Dragacevo. According to media reports, Predrag M. went to the house where his son N. M. lives with his wife, poured gasoline on the basement and set it alight. The son and daughter-in-law were upstairs at the time and were not hurt. He then doused his son’s SUV in the yard and set it on fire.

How he suffered his own burns has not been clarified so far. The burns covered about 70 percent of his body. He was first treated at the General Hospital in Cacak, then transferred to Belgrade, where he died after two days of care. Telegraf reports that he was moved to Belgrade three days earlier, so the sources disagree on exactly when the transfer took place.

Why was an autopsy ordered?

It was first believed that severe burns were the only cause of death. Unofficially, other injuries were reportedly found on the body besides the burns, and investigators are checking whether Predrag M. was a victim of physical violence before the gasoline was poured.

According to Hronika magazin, investigators ordered the urgent autopsy because of strained family relations and suspicious marks noticed during the medical examination. The cause of death will be determined by forensic medical experts. Police said:

“The investigation is under way, all relevant evidence is being gathered and witnesses are being questioned.”

What is known about the family relations?

Unofficially, it has emerged that the son, N. M., threw his father out of the house in Brezovice about six months ago, after relations had been strained for several months. Since then, Predrag M. had been living with his other son, G. M., in the Trnava neighborhood.

What is still unknown?

The autopsy findings have not been released. It has not been established whether the injuries were inflicted before the fire, or how. The available reports name no suspect for possible violence, and neither the police nor the prosecutor’s office leading the investigation have been identified. Hronika magazin says investigation results are expected in the coming days.

Novosti and Hronika magazin had earlier announced the funeral for the following day, while Telegraf reported on October 24 that it took place that same day.