In a tragic incident in upstate New York, a father allegedly used a crossbow to attack his wife while she held their 3-week-old baby, resulting in the baby's death and injuries to the mother.
According to the Broome County Sheriff's Office, Patrick D. Proefriedt, 26, engaged in a heated argument with his wife inside their home in the Town of Colesville.
During the altercation, Proefriedt fired the crossbow at his wife, striking the newborn in the upper torso and exiting near the armpit, before hitting his wife in the chest.
Following the attack, Proefriedt attempted to remove the bolt and prevent his wife from calling 911. He then fled the scene in a red pickup truck.
Emergency services were summoned to the residence on State Route 41 near Cass Road shortly after 5 a.m.
Deputies quickly secured the area and found the crossbow used in the crime. Despite attempts by first responders to save the infant, identified as Eleanor M. Carey, she was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Proefriedt's wife was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of her injuries.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Broome County Sheriff's Office, the New York State Police, and Chenango County sheriff's deputies, established a perimeter around the area and employed aerial drones in their search for Proefriedt.
He was discovered hiding in the nearby woods, less than a mile away from his home, after his vehicle became stuck in the mud.
Proefriedt was taken into custody and faces charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and first-degree criminal contempt, all of which are felonies.
The criminal contempt charge stems from Proefriedt's violation of an order of protection that was in effect.
Sheriff Fred Akshar expressed his deep sorrow over the devastating incident, calling it one of the most heartbreaking and senseless crimes in recent memory.
The investigation by the police is ongoing as they gather more information about the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
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