In Erie County, a man from New York has been accused of strangling his girlfriend and setting fire to their residence with his girlfriend and their newborn baby still inside.
Kidane Haile, aged 30, has been formally charged with second-degree murder for the tragic incident that took the lives of Kathleen Carrig, 29, and their four-day-old son, Noah, on October 18. The Buffalo Fire Department responded to the scene after receiving a report of a fire around 8.35 am. Unfortunately, Ms. Carrig and the infant did not survive, while Haile received treatment for smoke inhalation at a local hospital before being discharged and taken into police custody.
According to District Attorney Mike Keane, it is alleged that Haile strangled Kathleen Carrig before intentionally starting the fire. The district attorney stated that evidence suggests the fire was ignited deliberately using gasoline. The cause of death for baby Noah is still under investigation.
The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Kathleen Carrig’s death resulted from asphyxia due to strangulation, ruling it a homicide.
Expressing deep sorrow, Mr. Keane extended condolences for the untimely deaths of the young mother and her newborn child.
Haile, previously employed as a financial aid advisor at the University at Buffalo, is currently being held without bail at the Erie County Holding Center. The university offered condolences to the grieving parties and mentioned its disciplinary process for addressing criminal activities by employees.
The fire caused an estimated $100,000 (£75,000) in damages to the building and its contents. Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo highlighted the emotional impact on the firefighters, particularly due to the involvement of an infant, and ensured support for the affected crews.
Acting Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon, while acknowledging no personal acquaintance with Kathleen Carrig, shared a longstanding connection between his family and the Carrig family, 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 return court date has been set yet.
For confidential assistance, individuals affected by domestic abuse can contact the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) offers specialized support for those who have lost loved ones due to fatal domestic abuse. More information is available at www.aafda.org.uk.
