A man, Kidane Haile, 30, has been accused of strangling his girlfriend, Kathleen “Katie” Carrig, 29, and causing a fire in their residence while she and their newborn son, Noah, were inside. Haile was indicted and arraigned for second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Carrig and Noah. The tragic incident occurred on October 18 at 8:35 am when firefighters responded to a fire at the couple’s apartment.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered Carrig and Noah unresponsive. Sadly, both mother and son were pronounced dead at the scene. Prosecutors alleged that Haile strangled Carrig before setting the house on fire. Haile was rescued from the burning building and taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation over several days.
Haile, who worked as a college financial aid advisor at the University at Buffalo, was later charged with second-degree murder and held without bail after his release. The Medical Examiner’s report stated that Carrig died from “homicide caused by asphyxia due to strangulation.” The cause of Noah’s death is still under investigation, and authorities anticipate filing additional charges.
Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane expressed sadness over the tragic deaths of Carrig and Noah and confirmed ongoing investigations. Keane mentioned that the evidence suggests Haile intentionally started the fire after strangling Carrig. He also stated that further charges are expected to be filed once the investigation progresses. Haile could face a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if found guilty. Haile is described as a “loving mother” in her obituary and is survived by her parents, sister, and extended family and friends.
