A Broome County man is accused of killing his baby and injuring his wife with a crossbow, according to the Broome County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities said Patrick Proefriedt got into an argument with his wife as she was holding their baby at a home in Colesville early Monday morning.
They allege during that argument, Proefriedt, 26, of of Nineveh, fired a crossbow and it went through the 3-week-old child's chest and also hit the mom in the chest.
Police said they believe Proefriedt then went on to pull the crossbow out and fled the scene as 911 was called.
The infant was pronounced dead on the scene and the woman was taken to Wilson Hospital for her injuries.
A short time later, Proefriedt was found in the woods after his vehicle was stuck in the mud.
“This is one of the most heartbreaking and senseless crimes committed in this community in recent memory,” said 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.”
Proefriedt was charged with murder in the second degree, attempted murder in the second degree and criminal contempt in the first degree for violating an order of protection.