Firefighter charged with killing cheerleading coach he called 'second mom'

Authorities allege Peyton Beam set fire to Ericka Kramer's home and then responded as a firefighter to the scene he created.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:03am

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An extreme close-up of a single spent bullet casing, its metallic surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash against a pitch-black backdrop, conveying the serious, investigative nature of this crime story.A grim reminder of the violence that can erupt when public trust is betrayed, this stark image evokes the tragic loss at the heart of this case.Ansonia Today

A firefighter in Ohio has been charged with aggravated murder and aggravated arson for allegedly killing a woman he called a 'second mother', who was also a varsity cheerleading coach. Peyton Beam is accused of setting fire to Ericka Kramer's home in Ansonia, Ohio, and then responding as a firefighter to the scene he created, where Kramer's body was found. Prosecutors say Kramer was shot four times, twice in the back and twice in the head.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing allegations of a public servant abusing his position of trust and authority to allegedly commit a violent crime. It raises questions about screening and oversight procedures for first responders, as well as the need for greater mental health support and resources within public safety professions.

The details

According to authorities, on April 10, firefighters responded to a house fire in Ansonia, Ohio, where they discovered the body of 50-year-old Ericka Kramer. Prosecutors allege that Peyton Beam, a firefighter with the Ansonia Volunteer Fire Department, started the fire in Kramer's home and then killed her. Prosecutors say Kramer was shot four times, twice in the back and twice in the head, and that Beam lit her gasoline-drenched body on fire before leaving the scene.

  • On April 10, firefighters responded to a house fire in Ansonia, Ohio, where Ericka Kramer's body was found.
  • Peyton Beam, an Ansonia Volunteer Fire Department firefighter, has been charged with aggravated murder and aggravated arson for the incident.

The players

Peyton Beam

A firefighter with the Ansonia Volunteer Fire Department who has been charged with aggravated murder and aggravated arson for allegedly killing Ericka Kramer, a woman he called a 'second mother'.

Ericka Kramer

A 50-year-old woman who was a varsity cheerleading coach at Ansonia Local School and was allegedly killed by Peyton Beam, a firefighter she considered a 'second son'.

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What they’re saying

“We'd be very interested in ballistics in this case, very interested in any evidence other than inference.”

— John Rion, Beam's attorney

What’s next

Beam's bond was set at $5 million, and the judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater oversight and mental health support for first responders, as well as the devastating impact when public trust is betrayed. It underscores the importance of thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring to ensure the safety of the communities these professionals serve.