Fanwood man indicted in connection with housefire that killed neighbor
A Union County grand jury indicted William Ahle, 70, of Fanwood, on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree home invasion burglary and aggravated arson in the death of Virginia Cranwell, according to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
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A Fanwood man has been indicted in connection with a fatal house fire that killed his 82-year-old neighbor last year, authorities said Tuesday.
A Union County grand jury indicted William Ahle, 70, of Fanwood, on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree home invasion burglary and aggravated arson in the death of Virginia Cranwell.
RELATED: 1 person killed in overnight Fanwood fire, neighbor injured during rescue attempt
Police and fire crews responded to Kempshall Terrace around 1:35 a.m. July 25, 2025, after receiving a 911 call reporting a house fire with a possible person trapped inside.
When first responders arrived, Ahle — a neighbor — reported the fire and told them the homeowner was inside, authorities said.
Firefighters later found Cranwell inside the home. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set. The Union County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Cranwell’s death a homicide, prosecutors said.
