A man in New York state faces charges for allegedly murdering his girlfriend earlier this month and subsequently setting their shared apartment on fire.
Buffalo Fire Department responded to a blaze in a first-floor apartment of a multi-family building last Saturday at approximately 8:30 a.m., as reported by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office. Upon extinguishing the fire, firefighters discovered the bodies of 29-year-old Kathleen Carrig and her 4-day-old infant, Noah Carrig.
Authorities also found 30-year-old Kidane Haile inside the apartment. He was hospitalized for several days to treat smoke inhalation.
Haile has been indicted on a murder charge following the medical examiner’s conclusion that Kathleen Carrig died by strangulation.
The investigation into the infant’s cause of death remains ongoing, with additional charges expected to be filed.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of this young mother and her newborn,” said District Attorney Mike Keane. “While the investigation is still active, we have secured an indictment against the defendant accused of intentionally killing his girlfriend before the fire. We are dedicated to a comprehensive review of all evidence and anticipate pursuing further charges against him.”
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.
