Man, Patrick Proefriedt Arrested For K!lling His 3-weeks Daughter With Crossbow In Colesville

A tragic domestic incident has resulted in the death of an infant and injuries to a woman, leading to the arrest of a Nineveh man on murder charges. The horrifying incident unfolded on Monday in the Town of Colesville, shaking the community to its core.

Authorities were alerted to the scene at approximately 5:14 am on June 26, 2023. Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies and Emergency Medical Services rushed to a residence on State Route 41 near Cass Road, where they discovered an adult female and a female infant who had been shot with a crossbow.

According to the preliminary investigation, Patrick D. Proefriedt, a 26-year-old resident of Nineveh, NY, engaged in a heated argument with his wife. During the altercation, Proefriedt allegedly fired a crossbow at his wife while she was holding their 3-week-old daughter.

Tragically, the broadhead crossbow bolt struck the infant in the upper torso, exited near the armpit, and then struck the woman in the chest. Proefriedt reportedly attempted to prevent the woman from contacting emergency services before fleeing the scene in a red 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck, eluding deputies who were en route.

Upon arrival, deputies secured the area, located the weapon, and immediately initiated life-saving measures on the critically injured infant. Tragically, the infant, identified as Eleanor M. Carey, could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene. The adult female victim was swiftly transported to Wilson Hospital for treatment of her injuries.

To bring the perpetrator to justice, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office coordinated efforts with the New York State Police and Chenango County Sheriff’s Office. Establishing a perimeter around the area, law enforcement agencies utilized multiple patrol units and aerial drones in a search for Proefriedt. He was eventually discovered in the woods less than a mile from the crime scene after his vehicle became stuck in the mud.

Patrick D. Proefriedt has been taken into custody and is facing multiple charges, including Murder in the 2nd Degree and Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree, both Class A Felonies. Additionally, he is charged with Criminal Contempt in the 1st Degree, a Class E Felony, for violating an active Stay Away Order of Protection. It has been revealed that Proefriedt had a history of domestic incidents involving the victim.

While awaiting arraignment, Proefriedt remains in the custody of the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is ongoing, as authorities work diligently to uncover further details surrounding this tragic event.

Sheriff Fred Akshar expressed his condolences to the family, stating, “This is one of the most heartbreaking and senseless crimes committed in this community in recent memory. Our thoughts are with the family of this innocent 3-week-old girl. 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.” The community has rallied around the grieving family, offering support and solidarity during this unimaginably difficult time.