A man is facing charges of murdering his girlfriend and causing a fire in their residence with his girlfriend and their newborn baby inside.
Kidane Haile, aged 30, has been formally accused and brought before court on second-degree murder charges in connection with the deaths of Kathleen “Katie” Carrig, 29, and their four-day-old son, Noah.
The tragic incident occurred at 8:35 am on October 18 when firefighters were called to extinguish a fire at the couple’s apartment.
Upon entering the premises, emergency responders discovered Katie and baby Noah unconscious. Unfortunately, both were declared deceased at the scene.
Prosecutors allege that Haile strangled Katie before igniting the house. He was rescued from the burning building and hospitalized for smoke inhalation treatment over several days.
After being discharged from the hospital, Haile, a college financial aid advisor at the University at Buffalo, was arrested on a charge of second-degree murder and remanded without bail during his arraignment.
The Medical Examiner determined that Katie’s death was a homicide resulting from asphyxiation due to strangulation. The cause of Noah’s death is still being investigated, and authorities plan to bring additional charges.
Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of the mother and her newborn child. He confirmed the indictment against Haile for intentionally causing Katie’s death before the fire and indicated that further charges are forthcoming.
During a press briefing, Keane alleged that Haile deliberately set the fire after strangling Katie, intending to harm her.
An obituary honoring Katie described her as a devoted mother and dog owner survived by her family and numerous supportive relatives and friends.
If convicted, Haile could face a sentence of 25 years to life in prison, as per the DA’s office.
