Summary: William Ahle, 70, who was initially praised for entering his neighbor’s burning Fanwood, N.J., home, has been charged with first‑degree murder, felony murder, burglary and aggravated arson in the death of 82‑year‑old Virginia Cranwell. Fire investigators determined the July 25 blaze was intentionally set and the medical examiner ruled Cranwell’s death a homicide. Neighbors and Cranwell’s daughter expressed shock; Ahle, who was treated for burns, is being held at Middlesex County Jail awaiting further proceedings.
Neighbor Once Hailed as Hero After Rushing Into Burning Home Now Charged With Murder
News ABC7NYscene of deadly house fire
A New Jersey man who was initially praised for rushing into a neighbor's burning home has been formally charged in that neighbor's death, authorities announced.
William Ahle, 70, was charged Dec. 10 with first‑degree murder, first‑degree felony murder, first‑degree burglary and second‑degree aggravated arson, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Fanwood law enforcement officials said in a press release.
The blaze occurred on July 25 at a home in Fanwood, N.J. Authorities say fire officials ultimately determined the fire was intentionally set, and the Union County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death of the homeowner, Virginia Cranwell, 82, a homicide.
Initial news reports described Ahle as a neighbor who ran into Cranwell’s house after noticing flames and who was later treated for serious burns. Neighbors and Cranwell’s family expressed shock at the charges, noting Ahle had lived next to Cranwell for more than 30 years and had been regarded as a helpful, trusted presence in the neighborhood.
"He was known as the mayor of the street. He's very helpful and looks out for a lot of people," one neighbor told ABC7NY. Another added, "He was in the hospital with a lot of bad burns after he tried to rescue her — it's hard to reconcile."
Cranwell’s daughter, Yvonne McManus, told The New York Times she arrived at the scene after being notified of the fire and embraced Ahle before he was taken to the hospital; Ahle told family members at the time that he had tried to save her mother. McManus said emergency personnel told her the fire had been concentrated in the bedroom and burned at an intense heat without spreading throughout the home.
Officials have not publicly disclosed the specific evidence that led to Ahle’s arrest. After an investigation, prosecutors said fire investigators concluded the blaze was set intentionally. Ahle is currently being held at Middlesex County Jail awaiting his next court appearance; it was not immediately known whether he has retained counsel.
What remains unclear: Authorities provided limited public detail about the investigative steps that prompted the murder charges. Prosecutors and investigators have said the criminal inquiry continues.
