Ansonia Man Arrested in Fatal Darke County House Fire

Suspect faces charges of Aggravated Murder and Aggravated Arson

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:07am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a charred, twisted piece of metal from the fire scene, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of the incident.The grim aftermath of a fatal house fire exposes the harsh realities of a criminal investigation.Ansonia Today

Detectives with the Darke County Sheriff's Office have arrested an Ansonia man in connection with a fatal house fire that occurred on Friday. The suspect will face formal charges of Aggravated Murder and Aggravated Arson. Firefighters responding to the blaze found the body of a deceased woman inside the home.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the small community of Ansonia, raising concerns about public safety and the circumstances surrounding the fire. The arrest of a suspect provides some answers, but the investigation into the cause and motive behind this alleged crime remains ongoing.

The details

Firefighters from the Ansonia Fire Department and other agencies responded to the house fire on Zumbrum Road northwest of Ansonia around 12:30 pm on Friday. Upon arrival, they found the home engulfed in flames and discovered the body of a woman inside. Darke County Sheriff's deputies, a coroner's investigator, and the Ohio State Fire Marshal's office were then called to the scene. While a positive identification is still pending, the body is believed to be that of Ericka Kramer, a 50-year-old resident of the home. The coroner has ruled the death a homicide.

  • The fire was reported to emergency services around 12:30 pm on Friday, April 12, 2026.
  • Detectives with the Darke County Sheriff's Office made an arrest on Sunday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Ericka Kramer

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

Darke County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency leading the investigation into the fatal fire.

Ansonia Fire Department

The fire department that responded to the blaze and discovered the victim's body.

Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office

The state agency assisting in the investigation of the cause and origin of the fire.

Dr. Susan Brown

The Darke County coroner who has ruled the death a homicide.

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What’s next

The suspect will face formal charges of Aggravated Murder and Aggravated Arson. The investigation into the cause and motive behind the alleged crime remains ongoing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and cooperation between law enforcement, fire departments, and coroner's offices to determine the facts surrounding suspicious deaths and bring those responsible to justice. The community of Ansonia will likely remain on edge until more details emerge about this tragic incident.