Tragic New York Fire: Mother and Infant Lost, Boyfriend Faces Charges

A New York man faces charges for allegedly murdering his girlfriend earlier this month and subsequently setting their apartment ablaze.

According to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Buffalo Fire Department officials were dispatched to a multi-family building last Saturday morning at approximately 8:30 a.m. to combat a fire in a first-floor apartment. After extinguishing the flames, they discovered the bodies of 29-year-old Kathleen Carrig and her 4-day-old son, Noah Carrig, inside the apartment.

Authorities also found 30-year-old Kidane Haile at the scene. He was hospitalized for several days due to smoke inhalation, receiving necessary medical treatment.

Haile has been formally charged with the murder of Kathleen Carrig, following the medical examiner’s determination that she died from strangulation.

The investigation into the infant’s cause of death remains ongoing, and officials anticipate filing additional charges.

“We are saddened by tragic death of this young mother and her newborn baby,” District Attorney Mike Keane said. “While this case remains an active investigation, my office has secured an indictment against this defendant who is accused of intentionally killing his girlfriend prior to the fire. We are committed to a thorough examination of the evidence and anticipate filing additional charges against the accused.”

Keane said during a briefing on the case that Haile used gasoline as an accelerant for the fire, Buffalo Toronto Public Media reported.

Haile is a financial aid advisor at the University of Buffalo, WKDW reported.

Haile was ordered held without bond at his arraignment on Thursday. If convicted, he faces 25 years to life in prison.