New Jersey Man Charged with Murder After Fire Incident

A man from New Jersey, who previously claimed he rushed into a burning house to help his elderly neighbor, has been charged with murder five months later.

Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel announced the arrest of William Earl, 70, on Wednesday for allegedly starting the fire that resulted in Virginia Cranwell’s death in Fanwood on July 25.

Earl is said to have called 911 after spotting smoke emanating from the second-floor bedroom of Cranwell’s home on Kempshall Terrace.

According to reports, he noticed the blaze around 1:30 a.m. while walking his dog and entered Cranwell’s open garage in an attempt to help her, but was forced back by the flames.

In what was initially seen as a brave act, Earl sustained significant burn injuries and was taken to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s burn unit in Livingston.

Though firefighters managed to extinguish the flames within 20 minutes, they found Cranwell unresponsive in her bedroom, where she was later pronounced dead.

Daniel mentioned that an investigation revealed the fire was the result of an intentional act.

The Union County Medical Examiner’s Office labeled Cranwell’s death a homicide, identifying Earl as the main suspect.

Witnesses reported that a SWAT team raided Earl’s home early Wednesday morning to make the arrest.

Earl now faces several serious charges, including first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree robbery, and second-degree aggravated arson.

Residents in the normally quiet neighborhood expressed their shock upon learning of Earl’s alleged involvement in Cranwell’s death.

“He was in the hospital with serious burns after trying to save her. I can’t believe it,” one neighbor commented.

“It’s just unbelievable. He seemed like a really nice guy and was originally trying to help her. It doesn’t add up,” another neighbor shared.

Earl is currently being held in Middlesex County Jail pending his next court date.