Case file · Folklore / legend
The Marotinu de Sus heart-burning
In February 2004 relatives of Petre Toma, who had died two months earlier at Marotinu de Sus in Dolj County, dug up his body, cut out the heart and burned it, believing he was a strigoi tormenting his niece.
2004 CE · 44.05, 24.10 · status: official
The account
According to reports, the ashes were mixed with water and given to the sick relatives to drink. Police arrested six family members, who were convicted of disturbing the peace of the dead and sentenced to six months in prison. The case was reported worldwide.
The sceptical view
The prosecution is documented; the 'haunting' was the relatives' belief.