In a heartbreaking and chilling case, Patrick D. Proefriedt, 28, from Upstate New York, has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of his 17-day-old daughter, Eleanor Carey, and the injury of his wife.
Proefriedt pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in February following the tragic events that took place on June 26, 2023, in Colesville, New York.
The Tragic Incident
On the evening of June 26, 2023, police responded to a home on Route 41, around 17 miles northeast of Binghamton, after receiving a call about a violent altercation. Prosecutors revealed that Proefriedt became upset when his newborn daughter, Eleanor, began crying.
In an argument with his wife, he grabbed a crossbow and fired an arrow at his wife, who was holding their child. The arrow struck both his wife and their daughter. While his wife survived, Eleanor tragically died from her injuries.
After the attack, Proefriedt fled the scene, running into the nearby woods, and evaded authorities for a time. Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar described Proefriedt’s actions as cowardly, saying, “After the defendant in this case took the life of his own child, he ran into the woods and hid like a scared rat.”
Proefriedt also attempted to prevent his wife from calling for help by hiding her phone. This led to a swift and intense search operation by New York State Police and deputies from the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities formed a perimeter around the area and used an aerial drone in their search.
Less than a mile from the home, Proefriedt was found hiding in the woods after his vehicle became stuck in the mud. He was quickly arrested.
Wife’s Heartbreaking Statement
During Friday’s sentencing, Proefriedt’s wife, Megan Carey, spoke directly to the court. Despite the unimaginable pain and loss, she expressed a belief in love and healing, but stated that her husband was “beyond forgiveness.”
“Despite everything that has happened, I still believe in love, I still believe in healing, I believe in forgiveness, but he is beyond forgiveness,” she said, according to the Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin. “He has no empathy and no humanity.”
Her emotional statement highlighted the deep emotional toll the crime has taken on her. She also shared the painful reality that, during the investigation, Proefriedt blamed her for the shooting, claiming she had “dared him” to shoot and further accused her of not caring about their daughter or her own well-being.
The 911 Call and Last Moments
Prosecutors also revealed a heart-wrenching 911 call made by Megan Carey shortly after the shooting. In the more than 20-minute call, she can be heard comforting Eleanor, desperately pleading, “Stay with mommy” and “Please don’t die.” Tragically, when police arrived at the scene, Eleanor had already passed away from her injuries.
Proefriedt’s Apology and Sentencing
Before his sentencing, Proefriedt reportedly apologized to his wife, saying it was “for the sake of my child.” However, his apology was far from enough to mitigate the gravity of his actions. The court heard statements of outrage from both the victim’s family and the public, condemning his violent and callous behavior.
Broome County District Attorney Michael Korchak emphasized the brutality of the crime, stating that it was a clear example of unprovoked violence against an innocent child. Proefriedt’s sentence of 25 years to life is intended to hold him accountable for his actions and to bring some semblance of justice to Eleanor and her grieving family.
Patrick Proefriedt’s actions have left an indelible mark on his family and the community. His senseless murder of his infant daughter and the brutalization of his wife are a stark reminder of the devastating effects of unchecked anger and violence.
The sentencing, while providing some closure, cannot undo the pain and loss that Megan Carey and their loved ones will carry for the rest of their lives.
