NJ man hailed as hero now charged with killing 82-year-old neighbor in Fanwood fire

NJ man once hailed a hero now charged with murder

A shocking twist in Fanwood, New Jersey: the man once praised as a hero for rushing into a burning home to save his elderly neighbor is now accused of setting the fire that killed her. Prosecutors say 70-year-old William Alley has been arrested and charged with murder, arson, and burglary in the July blaze that claimed the life of 82-year-old Virginia Cranwell. Alley, a retired Union County jail sergeant, is being held without bail as investigators search for a motive. Neighbors say he had lived next door to the victim for decades, making the allegations even more unsettling. FOX 5 NY’s Robert Moses reports.

Fanwood, N.J. - A New Jersey man who neighbors once believed rushed into a burning home to save an elderly woman is now accused of setting the fire that killed her, prosecutors said.

Union County prosecutors on Wednesday charged William Ahle, 70, with murder, arson and burglary in the July 25 fire that tore through a home on Terrace Street in Fanwood, a suburb about 30 miles west of New York City. 

Ahle, who lives next door to the victim in a red house, was ordered held without bail and is expected to make his first court appearance this week.

Authorities allege Ahle set the blaze that killed 82-year-old Virginia Cranwell, a mother of three and grandmother of two. According to an online obituary, Cranwell adored her two cats and had lived in the neighborhood for decades.

Fanwood NJ fatal fire

At the time of the fire, Fanwood’s fire chief said crews arrived shortly before 1:40 a.m. to find heavy smoke and flames on the home’s second floor. He said a neighbor — later identified as Ahle— appeared to have tried to pull Cranwell from the burning bedroom and suffered burns.

The apparent act of bravery made him the talk of the neighborhood. Many residents believed he had risked his life to save Cranwell.

Investigators have not released a motive for the killing or explained what led them to charge Ahle months after praising his response. Neighbors say Ahle and Cranwell lived beside one another for decades.

Ahle is a retired sergeant who previously worked at the Union County Jail. He now awaits court proceedings from behind bars.

Cranwell’s family, approaching their first holiday season without her, is seeking answers as the investigation continues.