A New York man with a documented history of domestic abuse was arrested and charged with murder following an incident with a crossbow.
The crime unfolded in a home in Colesville, New York, on Monday, June 26, and caused the death of the man and his wife’s three-week-old baby girl.
Based on information from the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, 26-year-old Patrick D. Proefriedt allegedly fired a crossbow bolt at his wife, Megan Carey, while she was holding their infant daughter, Eleanor. The bolt struck the baby fatally before hitting Carey in the chest. It is reported that Proefriedt then removed the bolt from Carey’s body and attempted to prevent her from dialing 911.
Responding to an emergency call, the first responders arrived at the house on State Route 41 near Cass Road around 5:15 am. Despite their immediate action, the baby could not be saved and was declared dead on the scene. Carey, 31, who sustained injuries, was taken to Wilson Hospital for treatment.
Post-incident, Proefriedt fled the scene in his red 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck. However, he was located in nearby woods, less than a mile from his residence, thanks to the assistance of aerial drones. His truck had gotten stuck in mud, helping police to capture him.
Proefriedt now faces charges, including second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and first-degree criminal contempt due to the violation of a protective order. It was revealed that there was a standing protection order against Proefriedt, stemming from previous instances of domestic abuse.
Just weeks prior to this tragedy, Proefriedt had posted a photo on Facebook with his daughter Eleanor, pledging to protect his loved ones. As the investigation by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office continues, Proefriedt remains in jail without bail pending his arraignment.
