A 70-year-old man from New Jersey has been arrested and charged in connection with a deadly fire that claimed the life of his 82-year-old neighbor earlier this year. The arrest took place on Wednesday.

William Ahle faces several serious charges, including first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree burglary, and second-degree aggravated arson, as announced by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. Details of the case can be found on their official website.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of July 25, when Fanwood police and fire departments were called to respond to a house fire shortly after 1:30 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless body of Virginia Cranwell.

Initially, Ahle was commended as a hero for his purported efforts to rescue Cranwell from the blaze, as reported by WNBC.

In the immediate aftermath, Ahle’s son, Matthew, recounted his father’s actions, stating, “He just looked, saw the flames, went in. He apparently opened the bedroom door and all the flames just burst out, he fell backwards, and I guess that’s how he got all his burns.” Matthew expressed pride in his father’s attempt, adding, “I’m happy he tried, he tried his best. I can’t imagine anyone else who would do that.”

William Ahle was briefly hospitalized with second degree burns.

But investigators determined that the fire was “an intentional act,” that Cranwell’s death was a homicide, and that the supposed “hero” was a suspect, the prosecutor’s office said.

Investigators have not revealed what led them to suspect Ahle in the fatal fire or revealed a motive. Other neighbors were surprised.

Authorities have not revealed what evidence they compiled to form their conclusion nor have they suggested a suspected motive.

“Everybody knows who he is, and, you know, no one has ever had a bad word to say about him,” one neighbor told WNBC.

“Since the fire, you know, I mean, we all just thought he was a hero,” said another. “I feel bad for the family. I do, ’cause I really like them.”

“He was known as the mayor of the street. Because he’s very helpful. He looks out for a lot of people around the neighborhood,” a neighbor told WABC.

Ahle said at the time that he was walking his dog when he saw the flames and rushed into Cranwell’s open garage but was forced back by heavy flames.