A man from New York has been accused of strangling his girlfriend and setting fire to their residence while she and their newborn child were present. Kidane Haile, 30, faced charges of second-degree murder in Erie County following the deaths of Kathleen Carrig, 29, and their four-day-old son, Noah, in their apartment on October 18.
Authorities reported that the Buffalo Fire Department responded to a fire at the residence around 8:35 am. Tragically, Ms. Carrig and the infant were pronounced dead at the scene, while Haile received treatment for smoke inhalation at a local hospital before being taken into custody after his release on Wednesday.
District Attorney Mike Keane stated that Haile allegedly strangled Kathleen Carrig and set the fire deliberately. The investigation into the cause of Noah’s death is ongoing. The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Carrig’s death resulted from strangulation.
Expressing sorrow over the tragic incident, Keane extended condolences to the victims’ families. Haile, who worked as a financial aid advisor at the University at Buffalo, is being held without bail at the Erie County Holding Center. The fire caused significant damage estimated at $100,000 (£75,000), affecting firefighters emotionally, especially considering the involvement of an infant.
During a press conference, Acting Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon shared his personal connection with the Carrig family, emphasizing the loss to the community. Haile has pleaded not guilty and faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life if convicted. No court date has been set at this time.
