Dad Kills Newborn with Crossbow in Front of Mother During Horrifying Attack

A New York man will spend the next 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to the horrific murder of his 3-week-old daughter, whom he shot with a crossbow during a domestic dispute that also injured the baby’s mother.

Patrick D. Proefriedt admitted to second-degree murder earlier this year for the June 2023 killing of newborn Eleanor Carey inside a Colesville home, according to the Broome County District Attorney’s Office.

Authorities say Proefriedt fired a broadhead crossbow bolt at his wife, identified by local outlets as Megan Carey, while she was holding their infant daughter in her lap. The deadly bolt pierced through Eleanor’s tiny body—entering through her armpit and striking Megan in the chest.

After the attack, Proefriedt ripped the arrow out and reportedly tried to stop Megan from calling 911 by hiding her phone and fleeing the scene in the only vehicle available—effectively leaving her stranded with her dying child. Investigators said he then ran off into the nearby woods.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar described Proefriedt’s escape attempt bluntly: “He ran into the woods and hid like a scared rat.”

Eleanor died from her injuries. Megan survived, though she sustained non-life-threatening wounds.

Court records revealed that Proefriedt had a documented history of domestic violence and, at the time of the murder, was under an active protection order barring contact with Megan.

The case sent shockwaves through the community and drew renewed attention to the dangers of domestic violence. In court, a recording of Megan’s anguished 911 call was played, where she was heard pleading with her daughter: “Stay with Mommy… please don’t die.”

“Everywhere I look, I see you, Eleanor,” Megan said in a heartbreaking victim statement. “A part of you in almost everyone. I can’t express how much I miss and love you.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24/7 at the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org. Calls are free and confidential.