Man charged after death of woman, newborn baby following house fire in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A man has been charged after a woman and a newborn baby died during a house fire in Buffalo this past weekend, the Erie County District Attorney's Office said Thursday.

A fire broke out on the first floor of a home at 428 Norwood Avenue in the Elmwood Village on Saturday morning. Kathleen Carrig, 29, and a 4-day-old infant were pronounced dead at the scene. Kidane Haile, 30, was taken to ECMC with serious injuries.

An indictment charged Haile with one count of second-degree murder for the death of Carrig, his girlfriend. Haile stayed at ECMC for several days to be treated for smoke inhalation.

The cause of death of Carrig was determined to be homicide. She died from asphyxia due to strangulation. The DA's Office said Haile is accused of killing Carrig in their shared apartment prior to the fire.

The cause of death of Haile's and Carrig's baby is still under investigation.

"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 was held without bail and faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

A total of around $100,000 in damage was done to the building and its contents during the fire.

If you or a loved one is dealing with domestic violence, there are resources available. Erie County has a Domestic Violence Victim Program you can reach by calling (716) 858-4630 or by visiting erie.gov/besafe.