A man from New York is accused of strangling his girlfriend and setting fire to their residence while she and their newborn baby were present. Kidane Haile, aged 30, faced charges of second-degree murder in Erie County after the incident on October 18. The victim, Kathleen Carrig, 29, along with their four-day-old son, Noah, tragically lost their lives in the apartment.
The Buffalo Fire Department responded to a fire report at the residence around 8:35 am. Ms. Carrig and the infant were pronounced dead at the scene, while Haile received treatment for smoke inhalation at a local hospital before being discharged and arrested. District Attorney Mike Keane stated that Haile allegedly strangled Carrig before deliberately starting the fire with gasoline. The cause of the baby’s death is still under investigation.
The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Carrig’s death resulted from strangulation. Expressing sadness over the incident, Keane extended condolences to the victims’ family. 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 an estimated $100,000 (£75,000) in damages, with Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo highlighting the emotional toll on firefighters, especially given the involvement of an infant. Acting Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon, though not personally acquainted with Carrig, shared his family’s longstanding connection with hers, emphasizing the loss to the community.
Haile has pleaded not guilty and faces a potential maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted. No court date has been set yet for his case. For support related to domestic abuse, individuals can contact the National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline or visit the specified websites for additional assistance.