In New York, a father is facing murder charges following the tragic death of his 3-month-old baby daughter, who was shot with a crossbow.
On June 26, at approximately 5:14 a.m., deputies from the Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in Colesville after receiving reports of a woman and infant being shot, as reported by NBC News.
According to authorities, Patrick D. Proefriedt, 26, allegedly fired a crossbow bolt at his wife while she held their daughter, Eleanor M. Carey, during a dispute. The bolt struck the baby, piercing her upper torso and exiting through her armpit, also injuring the mother in the process.
Following the incident, Proefriedt reportedly removed the bolt and tried to prevent the woman from calling 911. He then fled the scene in a red 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck, evading deputies who were en route. Tragically, the infant succumbed to her injuries, while the mother, whose identity has not been disclosed, received medical treatment at a local hospital.
The suspect, Proefriedt, was eventually located in nearby woods, apprehended, and charged with second-degree murder, attempted murder, and first-degree criminal contempt for violating an order of protection.
Law enforcement revealed that the suspect had a history of domestic incidents involving the victim and that there was an active Stay Away Order of Protection in place.
Sheriff Fred Akshar of Broome County expressed his profound sadness over the senseless and heartbreaking nature of the crime, emphasizing the community’s support for the grieving family of the innocent 3-month-old girl, Eleanor Carey.
