Ansonia Man Arrested After Woman Found Dead in Darke County Home Fire

Authorities rule the incident a homicide after a 50-year-old resident perished in the blaze.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:49am

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An extreme close-up of a charred, twisted metal object from a crime scene, lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, creating a stark, investigative aesthetic.The grim aftermath of a deadly house fire exposes the physical evidence of a suspected homicide investigation.Ansonia Today

Investigators in Darke County, Ohio have arrested a 22-year-old Ansonia man in connection with a deadly house fire that claimed the life of a 50-year-old woman. The Darke County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call on April 10 reporting a fire at a home northwest of the village of Ansonia, where they later discovered the body of the female resident inside. The coroner has ruled her death a homicide, and the suspect is being held in jail pending formal charges of aggravated murder and aggravated arson.

Why it matters

Violent crimes and fatal house fires are rare in the rural Darke County area, making this incident particularly shocking for the local community. The investigation will likely focus on the suspect's motive and any potential connection between the victim and the alleged perpetrator.

The details

Darke County Sheriff's deputies responded to a 911 call on April 10 reporting a house fire on Zumbrum Road. Firefighters arrived to find the home fully engulfed, and later discovered the body of 50-year-old Ericka Kramer, a resident of the home, inside. On April 12, detectives arrested 22-year-old Peyton Beam of Ansonia in connection with Kramer's death and the fire. The Darke County Coroner has ruled Kramer's manner of death as a homicide, pending further forensic testing.

  • On April 10, 2026, Darke County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call about a house fire on Zumbrum Road at approximately 12:29 p.m.
  • On April 12, 2026, Darke County Sheriff detectives arrested Peyton Beam, 22, of Ansonia in connection with the homicide and fire.

The players

Darke County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating the homicide and fire incident.

Ericka Kramer

A 50-year-old resident of the home where the fire and homicide occurred.

Peyton Beam

A 22-year-old Ansonia resident arrested in connection with the homicide and fire.

Dr. Susan Brown

The Darke County Coroner who ruled Kramer's death a homicide.

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What they’re saying

“This case remains under investigation.”

— Mark Whittaker, Darke County Sheriff

What’s next

Formal charges are pending against Peyton Beam, who is currently being held in the Darke County Jail. The investigation into the motive and circumstances surrounding Ericka Kramer's death is ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has shaken the rural Darke County community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to address rare but devastating acts of violence. The investigation will likely focus on uncovering the suspect's motive and any potential connection to the victim.