(Town of Colesville, NY) – Broome County man is charged with murder after a domestic incident left an infant dead and a woman injured in the Town of Colesville at 5:14am Monday in a residence on State Route 41 near Cass Road in the Town of Colesville, according to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office.
An investigation showed Patrick D. Proefriedt, 26, Nineveh, NY, got into an argument with his wife and fired a crossbow at her while she was holding their three-week-old daughter. The broadhead crossbow bolt hit the child in the upper torso, exiting near the armpit before striking the woman in the chest. Proefriedt allegedly removed the bolt and attempted to stop the woman from calling 911, then fled the scene in a red 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck before deputies arrived.
Upon arrival, deputies secured the area, located the weapon, and attempted lifesaving measures on the infant before bringing the infant out to paramedics. The adult female victim was transported to Wilson Hospital to be treated for her injuries. The infant, Eleanor M. Carey, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Broome County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from New York State Police and Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, formed a perimeter around the area, utilizing multiple patrol units as well as aerial drones, to locate Proefriedt, who was found in the woods less than a mile from the residence after his vehicle got stuck in the mud.
Proefriedt was taken into custody and charged with:
- Murder in the 2nd Degree, a Class A Felony
- Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree, a Class A Felony
- Criminal Contempt in the 1st Degree, a Class E Felony for 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 investigation is currently ongoing.
