Darke County, Ohio – A fatal house fire near Ansonia has led to a homicide ruling and arrest.
According to the Darke County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and fire crews responded around 12:29 p.m. Friday, April 10, to a reported house fire at 2723 Zumbrum Road, northwest of Ansonia. Multiple agencies, including Ansonia Fire Department and rescue units, arrived to find the home fully engulfed in flames.
During firefighting operations, crews discovered the body of an adult woman inside the residence. Authorities said the victim is believed to be the homeowner, identified as Ericka M. Kramer, 50. The Darke County Coroner’s Office transported the victim for forensic examination.
Based on initial findings, officials said the manner of death has been ruled a homicide, with final identification pending additional scientific testing. The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office also responded to assist in the investigation.
Investigators said a multi-agency team worked the case over the following days. On Sunday afternoon, April 12, Darke County detectives arrested Peyton W. Beam, 22, of rural Ansonia, in connection with the incident. He is being held in the Darke County Jail pending formal charges of aggravated murder and aggravated arson. Authorities allege Beam was involved in both the fire and the death.
The case remains under active investigation, and additional details have not yet been released.
The incident may impact rural commuters and residents in the Ansonia area as investigators continue processing the scene.
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