Patrick Proefriedt fatally shoots 3-week-old baby with crossbow: cops

An upstate New York father allegedly fired a crossbow at his wife while she was holding their 3-week-old daughter, injuring the mom and killing the baby.

Patrick D. Proefriedt, 26, had a heated argument with his wife and fired the weapon at her while she was holding the baby on Monday morning inside their Town of Colesville home, the Broome County Sherrif’s Office said.

The broadhead crossbow bolt struck the newborn in the upper torso and exited her body near the armpit before hitting his wife in the chest, according to the release.

Proefriedt then allegedly tried to remove the bolt — before attempting to stop his wife from calling 911.

He then fled the scene in a red 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck.

Emergency crews were called to the home located on State Route 41 near Cass Road just after 5 a.m. Monday.

Deputies quickly secured the area and located the crossbow used in the incident. First responders then attempted life-saving measures on the infant, eventually bringing her out to receive aid from paramedics.

The infant, identified as Eleanor M. Carey, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Proefriedt’s wife was transported to an area hospital and was treated for her injuries.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and Chenango County Sheriff’s deputies formed a perimeter around the area and utilized aerial drones to locate Proefriedt, who was hiding in the woods less than a mile from his home after his car had gotten stuck in the mud.

He was brought into custody and charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and first-degree criminal contempt, all felonies. The criminal contempt charge accuses Proefriedt of violating an order of protection.

“Proefriedt had a history of domestic incidents with the victim and an active Stay Away Order of Protection in place,” the Broome County Sheriff’s Office said.

Proefriedt remains in custody while awaiting arraignment.

“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 3-week-old girl, Eleanor Carey.”

The police investigation is currently ongoing.