A New Jersey man who was initially praised for trying to save his neighbor in a fire in July is now accused of killing her in the blaze.
William Ahle, 70, was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree burglary and second-degree aggravated arson, the Union County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release Wednesday.
On July 25, police and fire units were dispatched to a house fire in Fanwood, a New York City suburb, the prosecutor's office said. First responders found Virginia Cranwell, 82, in the home, and she was pronounced dead, officials said.
Ahle's son told NBC New York in July that his father tried to save Cranwell.
"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 said in the immediate aftermath of the fire. "I'm happy he tried; he tried his best. I can’t imagine anyone else who would do that."
Ahle's family declined to comment.
Steven Wukovits, Ahle's attorney, said his client maintains his innocence. Wukovits described Ahle as a "family man" and said he "had a terrific, friendly relationship" with his neighbor, who was killed.
"There’s no motive here, absolutely no motive whatsoever, for killing a neighbor that he and his wife knew for over 30 years," Wukovits told NBC News.
Several neighbors also declined to comment.
In a brief phone call, Cranwell’s daughter, Yvonne McManus, declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
The Union County Medical Examiner’s Office later ruled Cranwell’s death a homicide, according to a news release. An investigation led officials to believe that Ahle was a suspect. Officials also believe Cranwell's home was intentionally set on fire, the release says.
A motive remains unclear.
Ahle was arrested Wednesday and is in the Middlesex County Jail pending his next court appearance, the prosecutor's office said.
