According to a news release from the Erie County District Attorney's Office, firefighters with the Buffalo Fire Department at about 8:35 a.m. on Oct. 18 responded to a call about an ongoing fire in the first-floor apartment of a multi-family residence.
After subduing the flames, firefighters were able to enter the home, where they discovered the body of an adult female — later identified as Kathleen Carrig — as well as the body of a newborn child, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.
Haile was located at the scene and transported via ambulance to the Erie County Medical Center hospital where he was admitted for treatment due to smoke inhalation. Haile remained in the hospital for several days before he was placed under arrest and accused of "intentionally causing the death of his girlfriend," prosecutors said.
Per the release, an autopsy conducted by the Erie County Medical Examiner determined that Carrig's cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation and her manner of death was ruled a homicide.
"The allegations are that Mr. Haile murdered Kathleen Carrig by strangulation, and that he had done so prior to intentionally starting the fire," Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane said during a news briefing, Buffalo Toronto Public Media reported. "We anticipate that the evidence is going to show that he intentionally started the fire with gasoline."
Read moreIt was soon revealed that the newborn victim was Noah Carrig, who was only 4 days old. Authorities said the baby's cause and manner of death remained under investigation as of Thursday.
Man strangled girlfriend, set home ablaze with her and their 4-day-old still inside: Cops
Hidane Haile is accused of murdering his girlfriend in New York, strangling her before lighting their shared apartment on fire with their newborn still inside.
