Aa 70-year-old New Jersey man once praised for attempting to rescue his neighbor from a fire, now faces charges of first-degree murder , first-degree felony murder, first-degree burglary, and second-degree aggravated arson. The Union County Prosecutor's Office announced these charges on Wednesday (December 10). The incident occurred on July 25 in Fanwood, New Jersey, when police and fire units responded to a house fire and found 82-year-old Virginia Cranwell deceased inside.

Initially, her neighbor, William Ahle , was hailed as a hero for trying to save her from the blaze. His son, Matthew Ahle said his father tried to save Cranwell by entering the burning house, and suffered burns from the flames. However, an investigation later led authorities to suspect Ahle's involvement in

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