Defendant Indicted on Murder and Arson Charges for Killing His Girlfriend and Newborn Baby

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Kidane Haile, 30, of Buffalo, was arraigned this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Deborah Haendiges on a superseding indictment. Haile has been charged with one count of Murder in the First Degree (Class A-I felony), two counts of Murder in the Second Degree (Class A-I felonies) and one count of Arson in the Third Degree (Class C violent felony).

It is alleged that on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at approximately 8:35 a.m., the Buffalo Fire Department responded to a fire in the first-floor apartment of a multi-family residence on the 400 block of Norwood Avenue. The victims, an adult female and a newborn baby, were pronounced dead at the scene. The defendant was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he was hospitalized for several days to receive treatment for smoke inhalation.

The defendant is accused of intentionally causing the death of his girlfriend, 29-year-old Kathleen "Katie" Carrig, inside of their shared apartment. The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office determined that the manner of death was homicide caused by asphyxia due to strangulation. It is further alleged that after the homicide, the defendant intentionally caused damage to their residence by using gasoline as an accelerant to start a fire inside of the bedroom.

The defendant is also accused of intentionally causing the death of their son, 4-day-old Noah Carrig. The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office determined that the manner of death was homicide.

"I am pleased to announce that we have secured an indictment against this defendant who is accused of intentionally causing the death of a young mother and her newborn baby. My thoughts remain with the family of these victims as we continue to seek justice for this horrific crime," said District Attorney Mike Keane.

Haile is scheduled to return on December 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for a pre-trial conference. He remains held without bail.

If convicted of the highest charge, Haile faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.

DA Keane commends Detective Mark White and Detective Frank King of the Buffalo Police Department, Buffalo Fire Department and the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Eugene T. Partridge, III, of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Briana R.D. Kalman of the Major Crimes Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you or someone you know is a victim or may be at-risk of domestic violence, help is available through the BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program. While our staff specialize in trauma-informed support and victim advocacy following the arrest of an offender, you do not need to have a pending criminal case to speak with an advocate and access services. For more information on BE SAFE, call 716-858-4630 or visit https://www.erie.gov/besafe.