COLESVILLE, N.Y. — A Broome County community continues to grapple with the horror and heartbreak of a domestic violence case that claimed the life of a 3-week-old infant and left her mother injured. On Friday, Patrick Proefriedt was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of his newborn daughter, Eleanor, and the attempted murder of his wife, following a chilling crossbow attack that shocked the region and beyond.
The incident occurred in June 2023, in the early morning hours, when Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 911 call reporting that an adult woman and an infant had been shot with a crossbow at a residence in Colesville. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a tragic scene: three-week-old Eleanor had suffered a fatal wound after being struck in the upper torso by a broadhead crossbow bolt while cradled in her mother’s arms.
According to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, Proefriedt had gotten into an argument with his wife before retrieving a crossbow and firing it at her as she held their baby. The bolt pierced Eleanor, exited through her tiny armpit, and also struck her mother. Proefriedt allegedly tried to remove the bolt before attempting to stop his wife from calling 911.
After the attack, Proefriedt fled the scene in a red 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck. A search quickly ensued, and law enforcement found him hiding in the woods less than a mile from the home after his truck became stuck in the mud. Eleanor was pronounced dead at the scene. Her mother, though wounded, was later released from the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
On Friday, Judge Cawley handed down the sentence in Broome County Court, marking the end of a devastating chapter for the surviving victim and their extended family. Proefriedt had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his daughter and attempted murder of his wife.
The case has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for stronger measures to protect victims of domestic violence. Officials noted that Proefriedt had a history of abusive behavior, and the tragedy has reignited discussions around the importance of early intervention in volatile household situations.
In a statement following the sentencing, the Broome County District Attorney’s Office expressed condolences to the victim’s family and praised the rapid response by sheriff’s deputies and investigators, whose work ensured justice was served.
The loss of baby Eleanor, just 21 days into her life, is a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence. Her memory lives on in the hearts of those who mourn her, and her story continues to resonate as a call to protect the most vulnerable.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit for confidential support.