Dad Guilty of Killing 3-Week-Old Daughter with Crossbow, Prevents Wife from Seeking Help
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In a tragic incident that shocked a community, a man from New York State has pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of his infant daughter, whom he cruelly killed using a crossbow. Patrick D. Proefriedt admitted to the horrific crime nearly two years after the incident unfolded in June 2023, resulting in the death of 3-week-old Eleanor Carey and leaving his wife, Megan Carey, injured in their Colesville, N.Y. home.
The heartbreaking attack took place during a domestic argument between Proefriedt and his wife. Police were alerted to a disturbing scene at the Colesville residence on June 26, 2023, where they found both Eleanor and Megan had been shot with a crossbow by Proefriedt. Reports from the Broome County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Proefriedt shot a crossbow at Megan while she was holding Eleanor in her lap, causing a fatal injury to the infant.
Following the attack, Proefriedt attempted to prevent Megan from calling for help by seizing her phone and hiding it in another room before fleeing the scene in the sole available vehicle. Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar described Proefriedt’s actions as cowardly, stating that he “ran into the woods and hid like a scared rat” after the brutal attack. Tragically, little Eleanor succumbed to her injuries, while Megan fortunately survived with non-life-threatening wounds.
Before the court, a harrowing recording of Megan’s 911 call was played, capturing her desperate pleas for her daughter to hold on. Megan could be heard urging Eleanor to stay with her and begging her not to die, showcasing the traumatic moments that unfolded during the heinous crime. Megan expressed her profound grief and love for her daughter in court, noting how much she missed Eleanor and the impact her loss had left on her life.
During investigations, it emerged that Proefriedt had a history of domestic incidents with the victim and had an active Stay Away Order of Protection in place at the time of the murder. This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the urgent need for support for victims to prevent such senseless tragedies from occurring.
In the wake of this heartrending incident, authorities have urged anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. The hotline provides confidential support and assistance 24/7 in over 170 languages, ensuring that victims have access to the resources they need to escape dangerous situations.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Eleanor Carey and stands in solidarity with Megan Carey as she navigates the aftermath of this unimaginable tragedy. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence and ensuring that those at risk receive the protection and support needed to prevent further harm.
As the legal process unfolds and Proefriedt faces the consequences of his actions, the memory of little Eleanor Carey remains alive in the hearts of all who mourn her untimely passing. May her legacy serve as a catalyst for greater awareness and action to combat domestic violence in all its forms, ensuring that no family has to endure such profound and senseless loss.