A college financial aid advisor in upstate New York has been charged with murder after allegedly strangling his girlfriend and setting fire to their home while she and their newborn baby were inside. Authorities say 30-year-old Kidane Haile, an employee at the University at Buffalo, was indicted Thursday following the horrific October 18 incident on Norwood Avenue in Buffalo.
Firefighters responding to the early morning blaze discovered Kathleen “Katie” Carrig, 29, and her 4-day-old son, Noah, unresponsive inside the apartment. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Haile allegedly strangled Carrig before setting the fire. He was rescued from the burning home and hospitalized for smoke inhalation before being booked into custody.
The Medical Examiner ruled Carrig’s death a homicide caused by asphyxia due to strangulation. The cause of Noah’s death remains under investigation, and prosecutors said additional charges are expected. Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane said in a statement, “We are saddened by the tragic death of this young mother and her newborn baby… My office has secured an indictment against this defendant, who is accused of intentionally killing his girlfriend prior to the fire.”
Haile, who worked for the University at Buffalo’s financial aid office, was ordered held without bail. The university said it has “a robust disciplinary process in place to address instances where an employee may have engaged in criminal activity.”
Keane added that prosecutors “anticipate filing additional charges against the accused” and pledged a “thorough examination of the evidence.” Haile faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
An obituary described Carrig as a “loving mother” devoted to her newborn son and her dog, Stella.
