A man has been charged with killing his girlfriend by strangulation and then setting their residence ablaze with her and their newborn baby still inside.
The accused, Kidane Haile, aged 30, faced an indictment and arraignment on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of 29-year-old Kathleen “Katie” Carrig and their infant son, Noah, who was only four days old.
Emergency responders were called to the couple’s apartment at 8:35 am on October 18, where they discovered a tragic scene. Both Katie and baby Noah were found unresponsive and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Prosecutors allege that Haile strangled Katie before starting the fire. He was rescued from the burning building and taken to the hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation over several days.
Following his hospital discharge, Haile, who was employed as a college financial aid advisor at the University at Buffalo, was charged with second-degree murder and remanded without bail at his arraignment, as reported by the New York Post.
The Medical Examiner determined that Katie’s death was a homicide resulting from asphyxia due to strangulation. The cause of baby Noah’s death is still being investigated, with authorities anticipating additional charges.
Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane expressed his sadness over the deaths of the mother and child, emphasizing the ongoing investigation and the indictment against the accused for intentionally causing the deaths.
During a press briefing, Keane alleged that Haile intentionally ignited the fire after strangling Katie, claiming that evidence would show he used gasoline to start the fire. The cause of Noah’s death is still pending investigation.
An obituary for Katie described her as a loving mother, survived by her family members and a circle of loving and supportive relatives and friends.
Haile could face a sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted, according to the DA’s office.