A New Jersey man initially praised for trying to rescue his neighbor from a house fire has now been charged with her murder. Investigators said a months-long inquiry revealed that the July 25 fire, which killed 82-year-old Virginia Cranwell in her Kempershall Terrace home, was deliberately set, and authorities believe her next-door neighbor is responsible.
William Ahle, 70, who was thought to have attempted to help Cranwell during the fire, was arrested Thursday and charged with murder, as well as first-degree burglary and second-degree aggravated arson. Ahle suffered second-degree burns in the incident. His son had previously described his father’s actions as heroic, saying he ran into the flames to try to save Cranwell. Neighbors expressed shock and sadness over the arrest, noting that Ahle was well-liked in the community. Prosecutors have not disclosed a motive, and Ahle is being held at the Middlesex County jail pending his next court appearance.