A New York man with a documented history of domestic abuse was arrested and charged with murder of his newborn baby following an incident involving a crossbow. 

The horrendous act took place in the family home in Colesville, New York, on Monday, June 26, resulting in the death of his three-week-old infant daughter.

According to the details released by Broome County law enforcement, Patrick D. Proefriedt, 26, is accused of shooting a crossbow bolt at his wife, Megan Carey, who was cradling their newborn, Eleanor, in her arms. The bolt tragically hit the baby and then went on to injure Carey in her chest. Reports indicate that Proefriedt then removed the bolt from Carey’s body and attempted to stop her from calling 9-1-1.

Emergency services arrived on State Route 41 near Cass Road around 5:15 am following a call. Tragically, their efforts to save the infant were in vain, and she was declared dead at the scene. Carey, 31, was taken to Wilson Hospital to receive medical treatment for her injuries.

Proefriedt made a getaway in a red 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck. With the help of aerial drones, police located him in a forested area close to the residence. His vehicle had become stuck in mud, which facilitated his capture.

Proefriedt has now been charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and first-degree criminal contempt due to violation of an existing protection order. It has been disclosed that there was an order of protection in effect against Proefriedt due to his history of domestic abuse.

Prior to the incident, Proefriedt had shared a picture of himself with Eleanor on social media, pledging his dedication to protecting his family and friends. The investigation by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing as Proefriedt awaits his court date in custody without bail.