A New Jersey man who was initially praised for trying to save his neighbor in a July fire is now being accused of killing her in the blaze.
William Ahle, 70, was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree burglary, and second-degree aggravated arson, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release on Wednesday.
William Ahle, 70, has been charged by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office with first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree burglary, and second-degree aggravated arson in the death of Virginia Cranwell.NBC New York
On July 25, police and fire units were dispatched to a house fire in Fanwood, New Jersey, a New York City suburb, the prosecutor’s office said. First responders found 82-year-old Virginia Cranwell in the home, and she was pronounced dead, officials said.
Ahle’s son told NBC New York in July that his father tried saving Cranwell.
“He just looked, saw the flames, went in. He apparently opened the bedroom door and all the flames just burst out, he fell backwards and I guess that’s how he got all his burns,” Matthew Ahle said in the immediate aftermath of the fire. “I’m happy he tried, he tried his best. I can’t imagine anyone else who would do that.”
The house of Virginia Cranwell in Fanwood, NJ. NBC New York
Ahle’s family declined to comment. It is not immediately clear if an attorney is representing him.
Several neighbors also declined to comment.
In a brief phone call, Ms. Cranwell’s daughter, Yvonne McManus, declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
The Union County Medical Examiner’s Office later ruled Cranwell’s death a homicide, according to a news release. An investigation led officials to believe that Ahle was a suspect in her killing. Officials also believe that Cranwell’s home was intentionally set on fire, the release says.
A motive remains unclear.
Ahle was arrested on Wednesday and is currently lodged at Middlesex County Jail pending his next court appearance, according to the prosecutor’s office.
