A 26-year-old New York man has been charged in the death of his newborn daughter who was shot with a crossbow during a domestic incident in the Town of Colesville Monday.
On June 26, 2023 at 5:14 a.m., Broome County Sheriff’s Office and Emergencies Medical Services responded to a report that a woman and infant had been shot with a crossbow at a home on state Route 41 in the Town of Colesville.
Patrick Proefriedt got into an argument with his wife, officials said, and fired a crossbow at her while she was holding their three-week-old daughter, Eleanor M. Carey. The crossbow hit the infant in the upper torso, exiting near the armpit before striking her mother in the chest.
Proefriedt allegedly removed the arrow and attempted to stop his wife from calling 911, then fled the scene in a red 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck before responding deputies arrived. His vehicle became stuck in the mud in the woods nearby, and Broome County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from New York State Police and Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, said they located Proefriedt within an hour.
Deputies secured the area upon arrival, located the weapon and attempted lifesaving measures on the baby before bringing her out to paramedics. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her mother was transported to UHS Wilson Hospital to be treated for her injuries. Officials did not indicate the severity of her injuries.
Proefriedt was taken into custody and has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder, as well as first-degree criminal contempt for violating an order of protection.
Officials say Proefriedt had a history of domestic violence incidents with his wife, and an active order of protection in place. Akshar said the couple were living together with their daughter at the time of the incident.
Proefriedt remains in custody of the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is ongoing.
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