A father from New York is now being accused of brutally murdering his three-week-old baby girl during a heated argument he had with his wife early on Monday morning. What’s really shocking is the manner in which he carried out the gruesome slaying. Ladies and gentlemen, this is going to make you feel ill.
According to a report from Fox News, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office put out a press release stating that Patrick Proefriedt, 26, was involved in an extremely heated confrontation with his wife during the early Monday morning hours at their residence in Nineveh, New York.
Officials stated that the woman was holding the newborn when Proefriedt allegedly fired a crossbow bolt aimed at his wife. The bolt hit the child instead of hitting the intended target; it “hit the child in the upper torso exiting near the armpit” before it entered the woman’s chest.
The press release then says that Proefriedt tried to remove the bolt and attempted to stop his wife from dialing 911. He fled the scene in a red Dodge Ram pickup truck just before deputies arrived at the home.
A report from ABC News stated that when deputies and paramedics showed up at the house, they attempted to execute life-saving measures on the infant, but it was too late. Eleanor Carey, the precious little child involved in the incident, died at the scene, deputies stated in the press release.
Law enforcement officials said Proefriedt’s wife was transported to a local hospital where she received treatment for her injuries. Proefriedt was found by police less than a mile from his home in a wooded area after the truck he was driving got stuck in the mud.
On June 9, Proefriedt posted a photograph of himself with his newborn daughter featuring a caption that read, “My little baby girl.” According to police, the suspect has a lengthy history of “domestic incidents with the victim” and had an “active Stay Away Order of Protection” currently in place. Proefriedt is now being charged with second-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and a first-degree criminal contempt charge due to violating the protection order against him.
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Fred Akshar, the Broome County Sheriff, went on say, “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.”