A man from Upstate New York has been sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison for the murder of his newborn daughter and the assault of his wife. Patrick D. Proefriedt, 28, was handed down the sentence on Friday after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in February. The Broome County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Proefriedt was responsible for the death of his 17-day-old daughter, Eleanor Carey, and the injury of his wife.
The incident occurred on June 26, 2023, at a residence located on Route 41 in Colesville, approximately 17 miles northeast of Binghamton. According to prosecutors, Proefriedt became agitated when his daughter began crying, leading to an argument with his wife. In the heat of the moment, Proefriedt grabbed a crossbow and fired an arrow at his wife, who was holding their child. The arrow struck both mother and child, resulting in the death of the infant. The mother, however, survived the attack.
Following the incident, Proefriedt fled into the nearby woods, leaving his wife without a means to call for help as he had hidden her phone. Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar, during a press conference, likened Proefriedt’s actions to those of a “scared rat.”
In response to the incident, authorities initiated a large-scale search for Proefriedt. The New York State Police and Chenango County Sheriff’s Office established a perimeter around the area, deploying multiple patrol units and an aerial drone. Proefriedt was eventually located less than a mile from his home, hiding in the woods after his vehicle became stuck in the mud.
During the sentencing hearing, Proefriedt’s wife, Megan Carey, addressed the court. Despite the traumatic events, she expressed her belief in love, healing, and forgiveness. However, she stated that Proefriedt was “beyond forgiveness,” citing his lack of empathy and humanity.
Following his arrest, Proefriedt attempted to shift blame onto his wife, alleging that she had “dared him” to shoot. He also reportedly showed no concern for the wellbeing of his wife or daughter when questioned by detectives.
During the trial, prosecutors played a distressing 911 call lasting over 20 minutes between Carey and dispatchers. In the call, Carey can be heard pleading with her daughter to “stay with mommy” and “please don’t die.” Tragically, by the time help arrived, Eleanor had passed away. Prior to his sentencing, Proefriedt offered an apology to his wife “for the sake of my child.”