A chilling case out of Ohio is turning heads after authorities say a volunteer firefighter allegedly killed a woman, set her home on fire—and then showed up to help put out the flames.
Peyton Beam, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder and aggravated arson in connection with the death of 50-year-old Ericka Kramer, who was found dead inside her burning home in Ansonia.
Fire crews responded to the blaze around midday on April 10 and arrived to find the house completely engulfed. Kramer was later pronounced dead at the scene, and the medical examiner ruled her death a homicide.
But what makes the case even more shocking is who showed up to fight the fire.
According to prosecutors, Beam himself was one of the firefighters who responded.
Authorities allege that before the fire, Beam fatally shot Kramer—twice in the back and twice in the head—then poured gasoline on her body and set the house on fire in an attempt to cover it up.
He then allegedly returned to the scene as part of the Ansonia Fire Department, joining others in trying to extinguish the blaze.
Prosecutors say Beam had known Kramer for years and had worked for her doing farm work since he was a teenager. Despite that relationship, they claim he “executed” her before setting the fire.
During his first court appearance, Beam appeared via video and shook his head as the allegations were laid out. His defense attorney argued that Beam considered Kramer like a “second mother” and suggested they would closely examine the evidence, including ballistics.
Kramer, who had lost her husband in 2022, was known in the community as a beloved cheerleading coach and is survived by her daughter and stepchildren.
Beam is currently being held in the Darke County Jail on a $5 million bond.
He looks like something that crawled up out of a toilet!!
I heard he has a dozens of girlfriends.