Kidane Haile, 30, has been charged with second-degree murder following the deaths of 29-year-old Kathleen Carrig and their four-day-old son, Noah, with officials investigating the cause of death for the newborn
A man has been accused of strangling his girlfriend and setting their home on fire while she and their newborn baby son were still inside.
Kidane Haile, 30, was indicted and arraigned for second-degree murder following the deaths of 29-year-old Kathleen “Katie” Carrig and their four-day-old son, Noah.
The horrific scene unfolded at 8.35am on October 18 when firefighters responded to a blaze at the couple’s apartment.
Inside the home, first responders found Katie and little Noah unresponsive. Both the mother and son were pronounced dead at the scene.
Haile strangled Katie before setting the house ablaze, prosecutors alleged. He was rescued from the burning home and transported to the hospital, where he received treatment for smoke inhalation over several days, according to authorities.
Following his release, Haile – who worked as a college financial aid advisor at the University at Buffalo – was booked on one count of second-degree murder, the New York Post reports. He was ordered to be held without bail at his arraignment.
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The Medical Examiner ruled Katie died by “homicide caused by asphyxia due to strangulation”. The cause of baby Noah’s death remains under investigation, and authorities have said additional charges are expected to be filed.
“We are saddened by the tragic death of this young mother and her newborn baby. While this case remains an active investigation, my office has secured an indictment against this defendant, who is accused of intentionally killing his girlfriend prior to the fire,” Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane said in a statement.
“We are committed to a thorough examination of the evidence and anticipate filing additional charges against the accused. My thoughts remain with the family of these victims as we continue to seek answers and justice,” he added.
During a press conference, Keane also alleged that Haile intentionally started the fire after strangling Katie.
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“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 is going to show that he intentionally started the fire with gasoline,” Keane said, per BTPM.
“The cause of death for baby Noah remains under investigation, but we expect to be able to verify and report his cause of death in very short order,” he added.
An obituary described Katie as a “loving mother,” as well as a “loving dog mother,” who is survived by her parents, sister and “many loving and supportive aunts, uncles, cousins and friends”.
Haile faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted, the DA’s office said.