Prosectors: Fire Staged to Cover Up Murder of Girlfriend and 4-day-old Infant

Authorities say the weekend house fire in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village that killed a woman and her newborn was not the tragedy it first appeared to be. Prosecutors now allege the woman was strangled to death before the blaze ever began and that, although still under investigation, that the fire was deliberately set in an attempt to cover up her murder.

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that 30-year-old Kidane Haile has been indicted in connection with the case. Haile faces one count of second-degree murder for the death of his girlfriend, 29-year-old Kathleen Carrig.

Emergency crews responded Saturday morning to a blaze at 428 Norwood Avenue. Carrig and her 4-day-old infant were found inside and pronounced dead at the scene. Haile was rescued from the residence and transported to Erie County Medical Center where he remained for several days under treatment for smoke inhalation.

Investigators later determined Carrig’s cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation. The DA’s office said she was already dead before the fire started. Prosecutors allege Haile killed Carrig inside their apartment. The fire was ignited in an effort to conceal the crime.

The cause of death for the infant has not yet been determined, but prosecutors said additional charges are likely.

“We are saddened by tragic death of this young mother and her newborn baby,” said District Attorney Mike Keane. “We are committed to a thorough examination of the evidence and anticipate filing additional charges against the accused.”

Haile is being held without bail and, if convicted, faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

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Prosectors: Fire Staged to Coverup Murder of Girlfriend and 4-day-old Infant