A man has been charged with strangling his partner and starting a fire in their residence while she and their newborn child were present. Kidane Haile, 30, has been indicted and arraigned on second-degree murder charges after the deaths of 29-year-old Kathleen “Katie” Carrig and their four-day-old son, Noah.
The tragic incident occurred on October 18 at 8:35 am when firefighters arrived at the couple’s apartment in response to a fire. Upon entering the premises, emergency responders discovered Katie and baby Noah unresponsive. Both were declared deceased at the scene.
Prosecutors allege that Haile strangled Katie before setting the house on fire. He was rescued from the burning building and taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation over several days. Haile, who was employed as a college financial aid advisor at the University at Buffalo, was subsequently arrested on a charge of second-degree murder and was remanded without bail following his arraignment.
The Medical Examiner determined that Katie’s death was a result of homicide by asphyxia from strangulation. The cause of Noah’s death is still under investigation, with authorities hinting at the likelihood of further charges being brought forth.
Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane expressed his condolences for the victims’ family while emphasizing the ongoing investigation and the indictment against the accused. Keane also shared that evidence suggests Haile intentionally initiated the fire after strangling Katie, with further details expected to emerge soon.
Described as a “loving mother” and a “loving dog mother” in her obituary, Katie is survived by her parents, sister, and a circle of caring relatives and friends. Haile could face a sentence of 25 years to life imprisonment if found guilty, as per the DA’s office.