A man is facing charges of strangling his girlfriend and setting fire to their residence while she and their newborn son were present. Kidane Haile, aged 30, has been indicted and arraigned for second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of 29-year-old Kathleen “Katie” Carrig and their four-day-old baby, Noah.
The tragic incident occurred at 8:35 am on October 18 when firefighters were called to extinguish a fire at the couple’s apartment. Upon entering the residence, emergency responders discovered Katie and baby Noah unconscious. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities claim that Haile strangled Katie before igniting the fire. He was rescued from the burning building and taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation over several days. Following his hospital discharge, Haile, who worked as a college financial aid advisor, was arrested on a charge of second-degree murder and remanded without bail during his arraignment.
The Medical Examiner determined that Katie’s death resulted from “homicide caused by asphyxia due to strangulation.” The cause of Noah’s death is still being investigated, and further charges are anticipated.
In a statement, Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of the young mother and her infant. Keane confirmed that Haile intentionally killed Katie before the fire and announced plans for additional charges as the investigation progresses.
During a press briefing, Keane alleged that Haile intentionally set the fire after strangling Katie and stated that evidence would support this claim. Haile could face a sentence of 25 years to life imprisonment if found guilty, as per the District Attorney’s office.
Katie, remembered in an obituary as a devoted mother and pet owner, is mourned by her family and a wide circle of relatives and friends.