Ohio Firefighter Accused of Killing College Cheerleading Coach

An Ohio firefighter faces serious allegations in connection with the death of a woman he referred to as his second mother, who also served as a cheerleading coach at a local college.

The Darke County Sheriff’s Office reported on social media that Erica Kramer, 50, was found dead when firefighters responded to a house fire in Ansonia, Ohio, on April 10. Investigators claim that firefighter Peyton Beam was responsible for igniting the blaze at Kramer’s residence and subsequently taking her life.

Prosecutors stated during a bond hearing that Beam arrived at the scene in his capacity as a firefighter, misleading responders in the process. He is affiliated with the Ansonia Volunteer Fire Department and has been charged with aggravated murder and aggravated arson.

Authorities revealed that Kramer had been at her home just minutes before the fire broke out. Prosecutors indicated she was shot four times before the blaze. “The victim in this case was executed by the defendant,” a prosecutor remarked. “She was shot twice in the back and twice in the head.”

Further allegations suggest Beam may have attempted to cover up the crime by setting Kramer’s body—soaked in gasoline—on fire before leaving the scene.

Beam’s attorney, John Lyon, has voiced skepticism regarding the accusations, asserting that Beam had a close, family-like relationship with Kramer and would never harm her. “In this case, we’re very interested in ballistics and also evidence beyond speculation,” Lyon commented. Beam’s bond has been set at $5 million.

In addition to being a dedicated mother, Kramer was the head coach of the varsity cheerleading team at Ansonia Local Schools. The school expressed its condolences, highlighting their sadness over the loss of Coach Kramer, who they said would be dearly missed.

Kramer’s obituary described her deep bond with her daughter, stating that their relationship was foundational to her life. It noted her extraordinary kindness and selflessness, calling attention to the joy she found in motherhood. “Her warmth and true spirit made the world a better place,” it read, emphasizing that words can hardly capture her incredible nature.