Buffalo, NY – A 30-year-old New York man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder after allegedly strangling his girlfriend and then setting their home on fire while she and their 4-day-old son were still inside. Authorities say the deadly blaze was deliberately set following the homicide.
The Incident: Mother and Newborn Found Dead After Apartment Fire
According to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, firefighters from the Buffalo Fire Department responded at approximately 8:35 a.m. on October 18 to reports of a fire at a multi-family home on Norwood Avenue in Buffalo, about 280 miles west of Albany.
When crews extinguished the flames and entered the first-floor apartment, they discovered the bodies of 29-year-old Kathleen “Katie” Carrig and her newborn son, Noah Carrig, who was just four days old. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Fire officials immediately launched an investigation after determining that the fire had been intentionally set. Carrig’s boyfriend, Hidane Haile, was found inside the home suffering from smoke inhalation and was transported to Erie County Medical Center for treatment.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Following several days of hospitalization, Haile was arrested and charged with second-degree murder for the death of Kathleen Carrig. Prosecutors allege that Haile strangled Carrig before deliberately igniting the fire with gasoline in an attempt to destroy evidence of the crime.
“The allegations are that Mr. Haile murdered Kathleen Carrig by strangulation, and that he had done so prior to intentionally starting the fire,” said Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane during a press briefing.
An autopsy performed by the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Carrig’s cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation, officially ruling the death a homicide.
Authorities are continuing to investigate how baby Noah died, as his cause and manner of death remain under investigation. Prosecutors indicated that additional charges may soon be filed against Haile pending the results.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
Haile currently faces a single count of second-degree murder, though prosecutors say more charges are forthcoming as the investigation unfolds.
“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,” said District Attorney Keane. “We anticipate filing additional charges as the evidence continues to develop.”
Haile remains in custody as investigators collect forensic evidence from the fire scene and review surveillance footage from the neighborhood. He is expected to appear in Erie County Court for an arraignment in the coming weeks.
Community Reaction and Statements from Officials
The deaths of Kathleen and Noah Carrig have devastated the Buffalo community. Acting Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon shared heartfelt condolences during a press conference, expressing his family’s personal connection to the Carrig family.
“My family’s connection to the Carrig family dates back prior to my birth,” Scanlon said. “If my personal experience with the Carrigs is any indication of the type of person Katie was, I know this community has lost one heck of a person.”
District Attorney Keane also released a statement offering sympathy and reaffirming his office’s commitment to justice:
“We are saddened by the tragic death of this young mother and her newborn baby. My thoughts remain with the family of these victims as we continue to seek answers and justice.”
Background and Legal Context
Under New York law, a second-degree murder conviction carries a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison. If Haile is later charged in connection with baby Noah’s death, prosecutors could pursue additional homicide or arson charges.
Authorities said investigators are still reviewing evidence from the apartment, including fire accelerant residue and digital communications between Haile and Carrig in the days leading up to the tragedy.
Domestic violence advocates have emphasized the need for greater community awareness and early intervention in domestic abuse cases, noting that homicide remains a leading cause of death for women in intimate relationships.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Haile’s case remains open as detectives continue examining forensic evidence from the burned residence. Officials are also awaiting toxicology results and other lab reports from the medical examiner to determine the final cause of death for the infant.
Funeral arrangements for Kathleen and Noah Carrig are being organized by their family, who have asked for privacy during this time of mourning. Community members have begun setting up memorials and vigils in honor of the young mother and her newborn son.
Conclusion
The tragedy on Norwood Avenue has left Buffalo residents heartbroken and calling for justice. As prosecutors prepare to expand the case against Hidane Haile, investigators say they are determined to uncover the full circumstances behind this act of domestic violence and arson that claimed two innocent lives.
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