New York father accused of killing infant with crossbow after firing at wife

A New York father is being accused of killing his 3-week-old baby daughter with a crossbow on Monday morning after having a dispute with his wife, authorities said. 

Patrick Proefriedt, 26, was arguing with his wife in the early hours of Monday morning at their home in the town of Colesville when he picked up a crossbow and fired at her, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release. 

Instead of hitting his wife, the crossbow bolt hit their daughter, whom she was carrying. The bolt “hit the child in the upper torso, exiting near the armpit” before hitting the woman in the chest, the sheriff’s office said. Proefriedt then attempted to remove the bolt before he fled from the scene in his 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck. 

When police arrived, the 3-week-old baby was pronounced dead at the scene. The wife was transported to a local hospital and treated for her injuries. 

The dad was located by police officers in the woods less than a mile away from his home, where his truck had become stuck in the mud, preventing him from moving forward. 

A subsequent investigation found that the Proefriedt has a “history of domestic incidents with the victim” and had an “active Stay Away Order of Protection,” police said. 

Proefriedt is being charged with second-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and first-degree criminal contempt for violating the order of protection. 

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

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