Inset, left to right: Hidane Haile making his first court appearance on Oct. 23 (WKBW) and Kathleen Carrig (Cannan Funeral Home). Background: The home Haile allegedly burned with his girlfriend and newborn inside (WKBW).
A tragic event unfolded in upstate New York, where a 30-year-old man has been detained under suspicion of murdering his 29-year-old girlfriend. The grim discovery came after a fire in their apartment, which also claimed the life of their 4-day-old baby.
Authorities have charged Hidane Haile with second-degree murder following the death of Kathleen “Katie” Carrig, as announced by local officials.
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office released a statement detailing the incident. On the morning of October 18, around 8:35 a.m., the Buffalo Fire Department responded to reports of a fire at a multi-family building located on the 400 block of Norwood Avenue, roughly 280 miles west of Albany.
After extinguishing the blaze, firefighters entered the premises and found the lifeless bodies of an adult female, later identified as Carrig, and a newborn child. Tragically, both were declared dead at the scene.
Haile, who was present at the location, was transported to Erie County Medical Center for treatment due to smoke inhalation. Following several days of hospitalization, he was arrested and accused of deliberately taking his girlfriend’s life, according to prosecutors.
An autopsy by the Erie County Medical Examiner concluded that Carrig died from asphyxia caused by strangulation, classifying her death as a homicide.
“The allegations are that Mr. Haile murdered Kathleen Carrig by strangulation, and that he had done so prior to intentionally starting the fire,” Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane said during a news briefing, Buffalo Toronto Public Media reported. “We anticipate that the evidence is going to show that he intentionally started the fire with gasoline.”
It was soon revealed that the newborn victim was Noah Carrig, who was only 4 days old. Authorities said the baby’s cause and manner of death remained under investigation as of Thursday.
“We are saddened by the tragic death of this young mother and her newborn baby,” Keane said in a statement. “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. My thoughts remain with the family of these victims as we continue to seek answers and justice.”
Acting Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon told reporters he did not personally know the victim, but had long ties with her family.
“I can tell you that mine and my family’s connection to the Carrig family dates back prior to my birth, and if my personal experience with the Carrig family is any indication of the type of person that Katie Carrig is, I know that this community has lost one heck of a person,” he said.
