By: Richard L. Smith
A 70-year-old Fanwood man has been arrested and charged in connection with a house fire that killed an 82-year-old woman on Kempshall Terrace this summer, according to information released by Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Fanwood Chief Law Enforcement Officer Lt. Daniel Kranz.
Investigators say William Ahle is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree burglary and second-degree aggravated arson in the death of Virginia Cranwell, 82.
Around 1:37 a.m. on July 25, 2025, Fanwood Police and Fire units responded to a reported house fire at a residence on Kempshall Terrace.
Firefighters entered the home and discovered Cranwell inside. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fire officials later determined the blaze had been intentionally set, and the Union County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Cranwell’s death a homicide.
Following an investigation, authorities identified Ahle as the suspect.
Ahle was taken into custody on December 10, 2025, and is being held at Middlesex County Jail pending his next court appearance.
Anyone with information, including anyone who may have spoken with or interacted with Ahle about this incident, is urged to contact Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force Detective Darius Singletary at 908-632-0537.