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Ohio Firefighter Accused of Starting Blaze He Fought, Murdering Woman
17 Apr
Summary
- Firefighter allegedly started the blaze he was called to extinguish.
- Victim Ericka Kramer was a beloved cheerleading coach and mother.
- Accused firefighter Peyton Beam claimed he considered the victim a second mother.

A firefighter from the Ansonia Volunteer Fire Department is facing serious charges in connection with a fatal house fire. Peyton Beam, 22, has been accused of aggravated murder and aggravated arson following a blaze that occurred on Friday, April 10. Firefighters responded to the inferno, only to discover the body of Ericka Kramer, 50, within the destroyed residence.
Investigators allege that Beam, who was among the first responders at the scene, had a connection to the victim, whom he reportedly considered like a second mother. Prosecutors claim Kramer was shot multiple times before her home was set on fire. The Ansonia Athletic Department has memorialized Kramer as their Varsity Cheerleading Head Coach, highlighting the profound loss felt by the community.