An Upstate New York man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after killing his newborn daughter and injuring his wife. Patrick D. Proefriedt, 28, was convicted for the second-degree murder of his 17-day-old daughter, Eleanor Carey. The tragic event unfolded in Colesville, New York, on June 26, 2023, when Proefriedt, upset by his daughter’s crying, fired a crossbow at his wife while she was holding their child. This heartbreaking incident has shocked the local community.
The Deadly Act and Investigation
The horrific incident occurred at a home on Route 41 in Colesville, about 17 miles from Binghamton. According to prosecutors, Proefriedt became angry when his newborn daughter, Eleanor, began crying. He started arguing with his wife, Megan Carey, before grabbing a crossbow and shooting an arrow at her. The arrow struck both his wife and daughter. While Megan Carey survived, tragically, their daughter Eleanor died from the injuries.
After the shooting, Proefriedt fled into the woods, hiding from authorities. He also took steps to prevent his wife from calling for help by hiding her phone. A massive manhunt ensued with law enforcement officials, including New York State Police and the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, using drones and patrol units to track him down. Proefriedt was eventually found hiding less than a mile from his home after his vehicle became stuck in the mud.
Court Sentencing and Impact on the Family
In February, Proefriedt pled guilty to second-degree murder, and during his sentencing in June, he was given a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. His wife, Megan Carey, addressed the court, expressing her pain and disbelief at her husband’s actions. She shared that, despite the tragedy, she still believes in love and healing but feels that Proefriedt is beyond forgiveness due to his lack of empathy and humanity. Following the sentencing, she recalled how her husband, after being captured, blamed her for the act, claiming that she had “dared him” to shoot.
A heartbreaking 911 call made by Megan Carey was played in court. In the call, Carey was heard desperately trying to comfort her daughter, saying, “stay with mommy” and “please don’t die.” Sadly, Eleanor passed away before help could arrive.
The tragic loss of Eleanor and the suffering of her mother, Megan Carey, are a stark reminder of how anger and violence can destroy lives. Proefriedt’s actions have left an irreparable scar on his family, and his lack of remorse only adds to the sadness of the situation. This case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking help when facing emotional distress and the devastating consequences of domestic violence.
