Upstate NY man accused of killing his 3-week-old daughter with a crossbow during dispute with wife

A man in upstate New York was charged with the murder of his 3-week-old infant daughter after he allegedly shot her and his wife with a crossbow during a dispute.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office said that the incident unfolded early Monday morning at a residence in Colesville, a village with a population of about 5,000 people.

26-year-old Patrick Proefriedt of Nineveh allegedly got into an argument with his wife and tried to shoot her with a crossbow while she held their infant daughter. Police said the projectile, called a bolt, struck the child in the chest, exited her armpit, and struck the mother in the chest as well.

Proefriedt allegedly pulled the bolt out while attempting to prevent his wife from calling the police.

Eventually, he fled the scene and police arrived, but the infant was declared dead. The mother was taken to Wilson hospital and treated for her injuries.

Proefriedt was caught by police a short time later when his red 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck got stuck in mud in the woods only about a mile away from the scene.

Police said the infant was named Eleanor M. Carey.

The suspect was charged with murder in the second degree, attempted murder in the second degree, and a charge related to violating a protection order.

"Proefriedt had a history of domestic incidents with the victim and an active Stay Away Order of Protection in place," said a statement from the sheriff's office.

He was booked into the Broome County Sheriff's Correctional Facility.

“This is one of the most heartbreaking and senseless crimes committed in this community in recent memory,” said Sheriff Fred Akshar.

“Our thoughts are with the family of this innocent 3-week-old girl," he added. "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.”

Here's more about the harrowing incident:

Nineveh man kills his 3-week-old daughter with crossbowwww.youtube.com

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!