Man Accused of Strangling Girlfriend, Setting House on Fire While She and 4-Day-Old Baby Son Were Inside

A New York man has been charged with murdering his girlfriend and allegedly setting fire to their apartment while she and their newborn baby were still inside.

According to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, 30-year-old Kidane Haile was indicted and arraigned on second-degree murder charges on Thursday, Oct. 23, in connection with the deaths of Kathleen “Katie” Carrig, 29, and their 4-day-old son, Noah.

Authorities said the Buffalo Fire Department responded to a blaze at an apartment on Norwood Avenue around 8:35 p.m. on Oct. 18 after receiving a report of a fire. Both Carrig and her newborn were pronounced dead at the scene. Haile was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and later discharged on Oct. 22, when he was taken into police custody, Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane told BTPM.

“The cause of death of their infant son, 4-day-old Noah Carrig, remains under investigation at this time,” the DA’s Office said in a statement.

Haile is accused of intentionally killing Carrig inside their shared apartment. The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that her death was a homicide caused by asphyxia due to strangulation, and prosecutors said they anticipate filing additional charges.

“We are saddened by the tragic death of this young mother and her newborn baby,” Keane said. “My thoughts remain with the family of these victims as we continue to seek answers and justice.”

At a press conference, Keane alleged that Haile strangled Carrig before setting the fire, adding, “The allegations are that Mr. Haile murdered Kathleen Carrig by strangulation, and that he had done so prior to intentionally starting the fire. We anticipate that the evidence will show that he used gasoline to start it.”

The cause of death for baby Noah is still under review, though investigators expect to have confirmation soon.

The blaze caused approximately $100,000 in damage to the building and its contents, according to WIVB.

An obituary described Carrig as a “loving mother” and “loving dog mother,” remembered by her parents, sister, and “many loving and supportive aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.”

Haile, who worked as a college financial aid advisor at the University at Buffalo, is being held without bail following his arraignment. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison, the DA’s Office said.