NJ Man Charged With Murder, Arson After Fire Destroys Home

FANWOOD, NJ — A 70-year-old man Fanwood man was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a deadly house fire in July, the Union County Prosecutor's Office said.

William Ahle was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree burglary, and second-degree aggravated arson.

At around 1:30 a.m. on July 25, Fanwood Police and Fire crews responded to a home along Kempshall Terrace after a 911 call reported a house fire.

Fire crews found Virginia Cranwell, 82, dead in the house. A neighbor who tried to enter the home and help before firefighters arrived was injured and taken to the hospital with burns.

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Officials identified Ahle as the suspect in what was determined by fire officials to be intentional.

The Union County Medical Examiner's Office also ruled the death a homicide.

Ahle was taken to Middlesex County Jail where he awaits a court appearance.

Anyone with information, along with those who have had any talk with or interaction with Ahle relating to this case, should contact the Union County Prosecutor's Office Homicide Task Force Detective Darius Singletary at 908-632-0537, Sgt. Nicholas Veltre at 908-347-7330, or Fanwood Police Sgt. Tyler Flowers at 908-591-5457.

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