A New Jersey man originally hailed as a hero for trying to pull his elderly neighbor from a house fire has been accused of starting the blaze that killed the woman.
Union County prosecutors said they charged William Ahle, 70, with murder, arson and burglary in connection to the July fire that left 82-year-old Virginia Cranwell dead.
Officials said their monthslong investigation into the fire led to them identifying Mr. Ahle as the suspect, but did not share any evidence detailing how he was pegged as intentionally igniting the flames.
Prosecutors said Mr. Ahle, who lived next door to Cranwell, was taken into custody Wednesday.
On July 25, Fanwood Police and Fire units rushed to Cranwell’s home around 1:40 a.m. after reports of a house fire.
Fire crews quickly entered the burning home and found Cranwell dead, officials said.
Mr. Ahle suffered second-degree burns in the blaze that saw him initially celebrated for his courage.
“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, the suspect’s son, told WNBC immediately after the fire. “I’m happy he tried, he tried his best. I can’t imagine anyone else who would do that.”
Prosecutors have not said what Mr. Ahle’s motive was. The suspect’s family declined to comment on the charges.
Mr. Ahle is being held at the Middlesex County jail while he awaits his next court appearance.
