Man Charged in Death of Girlfriend and Newborn in Buffalo Apartment Fire
A quiet morning in Buffalo turned tragic when firefighters responding to what they expected to be a routine call discovered the bodies of a mother and her newborn, raising urgent questions about what had occurred inside.
The Incident
Firefighters arrived at a first-floor apartment in a multi-family building early Saturday around 8:30 a.m., according to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office. After extinguishing the flames, authorities found 29-year-old Kathleen Carrig and her 4-day-old son, Noah, dead inside the unit.
The suspected perpetrator, 30-year-old Kidane Haile, was also at the scene and hospitalized for several days due to smoke inhalation.
Investigation and Charges
Medical examiners determined that Kathleen Carrig had been strangled prior to the fire, resulting in Haile being indicted on one count of murder. The infant’s cause of death remains under investigation, with additional charges expected as the case develops.
District Attorney Mike Keane expressed sorrow over the tragedy:
“We are saddened by the deaths of this young mother and her newborn. While this investigation is ongoing, we have secured an indictment against the defendant accused of intentionally killing his girlfriend before starting the fire. Our office is committed to thoroughly examining the evidence and anticipates filing further charges.”
Investigators revealed that Haile used gasoline to ignite the fire. Reports indicate Haile was employed as a financial aid advisor at the University at Buffalo.
During his arraignment, Haile was ordered held without bond. If convicted, he faces 25 years to life in prison.
Community Impact
The deaths of Kathleen and her newborn son Noah are a devastating reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the consequences of violent acts within the home. Authorities continue their investigation and are working to ensure justice is served as the community mourns the loss of two innocent lives.