Dad 'killed' three-week-old daughter with crossbow that 'he fired at wife'

28 June 2023 , 10:40

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Patrick Proefriedt, 26, got into an argument with his wife and fired a crossbow, hitting their three-week-old daughter

A dad from New York has been charged with murder after allegedly firing a crossbow at his wife, which then struck and killed their three-week-old infant daughter.

Patrick D Proefriedt, 26, of Nineveh, New York, got into an argument with his wife in the early hours of Monday morning, June 28, when he is said to have aimed the weapon at her.

According to a press release from the Broome County Sheriff's Office, he "fired a crossbow at her while she was holding their three-week-old daughter."

Police said: "The broadhead crossbow bolt hit the child in the upper torso, existing near the armpit before striking the woman in the chest."

Proefriedt then allegedly removed the bolt and attempted to stop his wife from calling 911 before fleeing the home, in the town of Colesville, in a red 2016 Dodge Ram pick up truck before emergency services could get there.

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Proefriedt allegedly removed the crossbow bolt from his wife before fleeing the scene in his Dodge Ram pickup (Broome County Sheriff's Office)

When police got to the scene at around 5.15am, they attempted to save the baby girl before bringing her to paramedics.

While mum, Megan Carey, 31, was transported to Wilson Hospital for treatment, three-week-old Eleanor M Carey was pronounced dead at the scene.

A huge search was launched for Proefriedt, with the New York State Police and Chenango County Sheriff's office assisting, multiple patrol units and drones aiding the search.

Police say he was "found in the woods less than a mile" from the home after "his vehicle had become stuck in the mud."

Proefriedt had posted on Facebook that his "style" was to "protect his family and friends at all costs." (Facebook)

On June 9, he had posted a picture with the new-born baby in a hospital with the caption "My little baby girl".

Less than a week before the killing he had reportedly written on Facebook that his "style" was the "protect his family and friends at all costs."

Proefriedt has been charged with murder in the second degree, attempted murder in the second degree and criminal contempt in the first degree.

Police say he "had a history of domestic incidents with the victim" and had an active Stay Away Order of Protection in place.

"This is one of the most heartbreaking and senseless crimes committed in this community in recent memory," said Sheriff Fred Akshar.

"Our thoughts are with the family of this innocent three-week-old girl.

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"I commend the quick and decisive action of our Law Enforcement division in responding to this tragedy and ensuring Mr Proefriedt did not escape justice."

Speaking to reporters, Sheriff Akshar also said: "It's just a tragic case. It's a senseless case. Reminder to all of us standing here today that domestic violence is incredibly real."

The Broome County Sheriff's Office have confirmed that Proefriedt is currently in their custody while he awaits his arraignment.

Their investigation is currently still ongoing.

Fiona Leishman