A man from New York is accused of strangling his girlfriend and setting their residence ablaze while she and their newborn child were present. Kidane Haile, aged 30, was charged with second-degree murder in Erie County after the tragic incident on October 18 that claimed the lives of Kathleen Carrig, 29, and their four-day-old baby, Noah.
Emergency services responded to a fire at the Buffalo residence following a distress call at approximately 8:35 am. Sadly, Ms. Carrig and the infant were pronounced deceased at the scene, while Haile received treatment for smoke inhalation before being discharged from the hospital and taken into custody by the authorities.
District Attorney Mike Keane revealed in a press briefing that Haile is accused of murdering Kathleen Carrig through strangulation before deliberately starting the fire. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of Noah’s death. The county’s medical examiner confirmed that Ms. Carrig’s death resulted from asphyxia due to strangulation.
Expressing sorrow over the tragic loss, Mr. Keane extended condolences to the families affected. Haile, who worked as a financial aid advisor at the University at Buffalo, is currently held without bail at the Erie County Holding Center. Despite pleading not guilty, he could face a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
The fire caused an estimated $100,000 in damages to the property and its contents. Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo highlighted the emotional impact on the firefighting crews, especially given the involvement of an infant, and ensured support for the responders.
Acting Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon, although not personally acquainted with Kathleen Carrig, expressed his family’s longstanding connection to hers, emphasizing the loss to the community. A return court date for Haile is pending, with no bail set for his confinement. For assistance regarding domestic abuse, the National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline and Women’s Aid offer support services.