A college financial aid advisor allegedly strangled his girlfriend before setting fire to their upstate New York home while she and their newborn baby were inside, according to authorities and reports.
Kidane Haile, 30, was indicted Thursday after a horrific scene unfolded at 8:35 a.m. on Oct. 18 when Buffalo firefighters responded to a blaze at an apartment on Norwood Avenue, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
Inside the home, first responders found Haile’s girlfriend, 29-year-old Kathleen “Katie” Carrig, and their 4-day-old son, Noah, unresponsive. Both the mother and son were pronounced dead on the scene, prosecutors said.
Haile strangled Carrig before setting the house ablaze, prosecutors alleged.
He was rescued from the burning home and transported to the hospital, where he received treatment for smoke inhalation over several days, according to authorities.
Haile was released from the hospital on Wednesday and booked on one count of second-degree murder, BTPM reported.
The Medical Examiner ruled Carrig died by “homicide caused by asphyxia due to strangulation.”
The cause of baby Noah’s death remains under investigation, as authorities said additional charges are expected to be filed.
The alleged heartless maniac is a college financial aid advisor at the University at Buffalo, WIVB reported.
The university did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment, but told the outlet that the school has a “robust disciplinary process in place to address instances where an employee may have engaged in criminal activity.”
Haile was ordered held without bail at his arraignment on Thursday.
“We are saddened by the tragic death of this young mother and her newborn baby. 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,” Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane said in a statement.
“We are committed to a thorough examination of the evidence and anticipate filing additional charges against the accused. My thoughts remain with the family of these victims as we continue to seek answers and justice,” he added.
Haile faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted, the DA’s office said.
An obituary described Carrig as a “loving mother,” as well as an adoring mom to her dog, Stella.
She is survived by her parents, sister, and “many loving and supportive aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.”
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
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