A New York man, Patrick D. Proefriedt, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of his infant daughter, Eleanor Carey, who was killed in a horrific attack using a crossbow in June 2023. Proefriedt pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on February 28, 2025, nearly two years after the tragic incident in Colesville, N.Y.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred on June 26, 2023, when Proefriedt and his wife, Megan Carey, got into an argument. In the heat of the confrontation, Proefriedt shot a crossbow at his wife as she held their 3-week-old daughter, Eleanor, in her lap. The bolt from the crossbow pierced Eleanor’s upper torso, fatally injuring her, before striking Megan in the chest. Eleanor died from her injuries, while Megan survived with non-life-threatening wounds.
After the shooting, Proefriedt attempted to stop Megan from seeking help by hiding her phone in another room. He then fled the scene in the only vehicle that Megan could have used to get assistance. Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar described Proefriedt as “hiding like a scared rat” in the woods after fleeing the scene.
History of Domestic Violence
The attack was not an isolated incident, as Proefriedt had a history of domestic violence with his wife, Megan. At the time of the murder, there was an active Stay Away Order of Protection in place against him. This history of violence led authorities to suspect that the attack on his wife and daughter was premeditated.
Emotional Court Hearing
During the court proceedings, a recording of Megan’s 911 call was played, where she can be heard desperately trying to save her daughter’s life, telling Eleanor to “stay with Mommy” and begging, “please don’t die.” In court, Megan spoke about her profound grief, saying, “Everywhere I look, I see you [Eleanor] – a part of you in almost everyone.”
Megan expressed her deep love for her daughter, saying, “I can’t express how much I miss and love you,” as she remembered the life she lost.
The tragic death of Eleanor Carey has left her family and the local community devastated. Proefriedt’s sentence of 25 years in prison for the senseless murder of his infant daughter has brought some sense of justice, though it cannot erase the pain caused by this brutal act of violence. Megan Carey’s emotional testimony in court shows the lasting impact the loss of her daughter will have on her life.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233.
