A 61 year-old man probably died from inhaling poisonous gases, an inquest has heard.
Terry Losh died in a fire in Demesne Road, Douglas on March 22.
DNA samples were taken from Mr Losh's son in order to identify his body, which led to a delay in the opening of the inquest.
A Home Office pathologist found that Mr Losh most likely died from inhalation of products of combustion, and that he was undoubtedly alive before the fire started.
His death led to a major police investigation, and was linked to a number of fires reported in the area.
The inquest has been adjourned by Coroner Michael Moyle to allow criminal proceedings - involving 34 year-old Simon Paul Leece, who is charged with Mr Losh's murder - to be resolved.
The body of Mr Losh, which remained in a flat in number 19 Demesne Road for two days after the fire, has been released to allow his family to make funeral arrangements.
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