Prosecutors say Ansonia firefighter shot the victim multiple times, ignited her home and later joined fellow firefighters at the blaze

By Cliff Pinckard
cleveland.com

DARKE COUNTY, Ohio — A volunteer firefighter has been charged with aggravated murder after authorities say he killed a 50-year-old woman, set her home on fire, then responded to the blaze with the fire department.

Peyton Beam, 22, of Ansonia, Ohio, also is charged with aggravated arson in connection with the death of Ericka Kramer, according to Darke County Common Pleas Court records. He is being held in jail on a $5 million bond.

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A news release from the Darke County Sheriff’s Office said the house fire in Ansonia was reported just before 12:30 p.m. on April 10. The Ansonia Volunteer Fire Department, of which Beam is a member, responded to the fire.

When firefighters arrived, the home was engulfed in flames, authorities say. Kramer’s body was found inside the home.

Beam was arrested on April 12. WHIO Channel 7 reports investigators said Beam shot Kramer four times before setting the home on fire. WDTN Channel 2 reports that prosecutors and defense lawyers said Beam had worked for Kramer for years and they had a “mother-son” relationship.

The Darke County coroner ruled her death a homicide. Defense attorneys said Beam had nothing to do with Kramer’s death.

Kramer was the cheerleading coach at Ansonia High School. A vigil attended by hundreds was held for her Wednesday night, WHIO reports.

According to her obituary, “Ericka will be remembered for her boundless kindness and selflessness. She was the kind of person who would give the shirt off her back without hesitation, always putting others before herself.

“Her warmth, generosity and genuine spirit made the world a better place, and words truly fall short in capturing just how remarkable she was.”

Kramer is survived by her mother, her daughter, five step-daughters, and several grandchildren.

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