'Evil' thug strangled girlfriend then burnt house down with newborn baby still inside

Tragic Kathleen Carrig was found strangled inside the burnt out house (Image: Handout)

A college financial aid adviser has been charged in the US with strangling his girlfriend before setting fire to their home - while she and their newborn baby were inside. Kidane Haile, 30, was indicted on Thursday after a horrific scene unfolded at 8:35 am on October 18 when Buffalo firefighters responded to a blaze at an upstate New York apartment. 

Erie County District Attorney’s Office explained how, inside the couple's apartment, first responders found Haile’s girlfriend, Kathleen “Katie” Carrig, 29, and their four-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 allege.

Police mugshot of Haile (Image: Handout)

Haile being brought into court (Image: N/A)

He was rescued from the burning home and transported to the hospital, where he received treatment for smoke inhalation over several days.

Haile was released from the hospital on Wednesday and booked on one count of second-degree murder after 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.

Haile works as a college financial aid adviser at the University at Buffalo.

The school released a statement after his arrest that extended condolences to those grieving and said: "The university is aware of the serious charge against Kidane Haile.

"Although the university cannot comment on specific personnel matters, UB 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 in court last Thursday.

The couple's home (Image: N/AS)

Kathleen Carrig on holiday (Image: Facebook)

At a press conference, District Attorney Keane accused Haile of strangling his girlfriend to death before using gasoline to set fire to their first-floor apartment while the infant was inside.

Mr Keane said: "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. 

"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."

Haile faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted, the district attorney’s office added.

An obituary described Carrig as a "loving mother" and an adoring mom to her dog, Stella. 

She is survived by her parents, sister, and "many loving and supportive aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends."

Police stressed the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.