Kidane Haile, Buffalo Man, Charged with Killing Girlfriend Kathleen ‘Katie’ Carrig Before Setting Home on Fire — 4-Day-Old Infant Also Found Dead

Authorities in Buffalo, New York, have charged Kidane Haile (30) with the murder of his girlfriend, Kathleen “Katie” Carrig (29), following a tragic fire at their Elmwood Village apartment, where the couple’s 4-day-old son was also found dead earlier this month.

According to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, emergency crews from the Buffalo Fire Department responded to a fire on the 400 block of Norwood Avenue on the morning of October 18. When firefighters entered the multi-family home, they discovered the bodies of Carrig and her newborn child. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators determined that Carrig’s death was caused by asphyxia due to strangulation, according to the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office. The infant’s cause of death remains under investigation.

Haile’s girlfriend, 29-year-old Kathleen “Katie” Carrig, and their 4-day-old son, Noah, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Haile, identified as a financial advisor at the University at Buffalo, was arrested and arraigned on October 23 on one count of second-degree murder in connection with Carrig’s death. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

During a press conference, Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane said prosecutors believe Haile intentionally killed Carrig before setting the apartment on fire using gasoline. The blaze caused an estimated $100,000 in damage, according to local reports. Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the alleged killing and arson.

Haile is being held without bail at the Erie County Holding Center. A court date has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

The Buffalo Police Department and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate the deaths of Kathleen “Katie” Carrig and her infant son as the community mourns the heartbreaking loss of a young mother and her baby.

Kidane Haile, Buffalo Man, Charged with Killing Girlfriend Kathleen ‘Katie’ Carrig Before Setting Home on Fire — 4-Day-Old Infant Also Found Dead