Dad accused of murdering his three-week-old daughter with a CROSSBOW when he ‘aimed at his wife while she was holding their newborn’ – after boasting on Facebook that he ‘will protect the family at all costs’
- Patrick D. Proefriedt, who had a history of domestic violence, is said to have shot his wife and child with a broadhead crossbow on Monday
- Police said the “loathsome human being” removed the bolt from his baby’s torso, tried to stop his injured wife from calling 911 and fled the scene
A New York father has been charged with murder after he allegedly fired a crossbow at his wife while she was holding their three-week-old daughter, injuring the mother and killing the baby.
Patrick D. Proefriedt, 26, who had a history of domestic violence including a home ban order, shot his wife Megan Carey with a gun at their Colesville home Monday.
The arrow from the broadhead crossbow struck the child, Eleanor M. Carey, in the torso, exited near the armpit and hit her mother in the chest, Broome County Police said in a statement.
Proefriedt, described by police as a “disgusting person”, is said to have removed the bolt and tried to stop Carey from calling 911.
Rescue workers who arrived at the home on State Route 41 near Cass Road around 5:15 a.m. Monday attempted life-saving procedures on the baby, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Proefriedt and his daughter Eleanor, whom he described as “my little girl” on Facebook on June 9 before allegedly murdering her with a crossbow less than three weeks later
The Broome County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Tuesday that Proefriedt is being held without bail for murder while awaiting his arraignment
Carey, reportedly 31, was taken to Wilson Hospital where her injuries were treated.
Proefriedt allegedly fled the scene in a red 2016 Dodge Ram pickup.
He was quickly found by several drone patrol units in the forest less than a mile from the residence after his vehicle got stuck in the mud.
He was taken into custody and charged with 2nd degree murder, attempted 2nd degree murder and 1st degree criminal contempt.
The allegation of criminal contempt relates to the violation of a protection order.
The incident came less than three weeks after Proefriedt posted a picture to Facebook of himself and his little Eleanor, whom he dubbed “my little girl.”
“This is one of the most heartbreaking and senseless crimes committed in this community in recent memory,” Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with the family of this innocent three-week-old baby girl, Eleanor Carey. I commend the swift and decisive action taken by our Law Enforcement Department in responding to this tragedy and in ensuring that Mr Proefriedt does not escape justice.
“It’s just a tragic case.” It’s a pointless case. “Remind all of us standing here today that domestic violence is incredibly real,” Akshar told reporters at a news conference.
Rescue workers arrived at the home on State Route 41 near Cass Road in the town of Colesville, New York, around 5:15 a.m. Monday
Proefriedt, described by police as a “disgusting human being,” allegedly removed the hunting arrow and tried to stop Carey from calling 911 (pictured June 16, Facebook)
The alleged killer, 26, had a history of domestic violence incidents, including a home ban order
The Broome County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that Proefriedt remains in custody without bail while awaiting arraignment.