An upstate New York prosecutor announced that a Buffalo man has been charged with murder after fire officials found his girlfriend and a newborn dead while responding to an apartment blaze.
Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane said in a news release that 30-year-old Kidane Haile was arraigned on one count of second-degree murder on Thursday. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Buffalo Fire Department pronounced his girlfriend, 29-year-old Kathleen “Katie” Carrig, and her son, 4-day-old Noah Carrig, dead at the scene of the fire on the first floor of a multifamily residence on October 18.
Why It Matters
Haile is accused of intentionally causing the death of Kathleen Carrig. Keane said she was killed before the fire broke out. Newborn Noah Carrig’s cause of death remains under investigation.
The district attorney added that his office is “saddened” by the “tragic” death of Kathleen and her baby. “My thoughts remain with the family of these victims as we continue to seek answers and justice,” Keane said.
What To Know
The Buffalo Fire Department responded to a fire on the 400 block of Norwood Avenue about 8:35 a.m. October 18. Haile was taken to Erie County Medical Center by ambulance, where he was treated for smoke inhalation.
The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Kathleen Carrig’s manner of death was homicide caused by asphyxia due to strangulation.
“The people intend to seek charges in respect to an additional victim in this case and intend to file a superseding indictment in the very near future,” the prosecution said in court on Thursday, WKBW reported.
Prosecutors accuse Haile of strangling Kathleen Carrig, then setting fire to their apartment with gasoline, the outlet reported. Haile was held without bail.
Keane thanked Detectives Mark White and Frank King of the Buffalo Police Department, the Buffalo Fire Department and the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office for their work in the ongoing investigation.
What People Are Saying
Keane, 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.”
What Happens Next
Keane said the probe is continuing. Haile’s next court date has not been scheduled yet. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
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