Arizona domestic violence suspect sentenced to life in prison

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A man has learned his fate after pleading guilty to multiple felony counts of domestic violence crimes.

On Saturday, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that 49-year-old Eric Pastrano has been sentenced to life in prison for domestic violence incidents against his ex-wife in 2023.

On April 2, 2023, Pastrano left a voicemail to his ex-wife, saying he would “bathe her in blood,” and also threatened her life in numerous text messages. He later showed up at her home but left when he saw she had a gun. Officials say the victim’s daughter and granddaughter were home at the time and hid in the bathroom and called police.

Just a month later, on May 9, Pastrano reportedly returned to his ex-wife’s house wearing a ski mask and body armor. He broke into the home, where he shot at the victim’s bedroom door, which barely missed her. Pastrano then went inside the bedroom, where he hit her with the pistol and choked her.

“Living in fear for your life is no way to live,” said Mitchell. “The relief that this sentencing brings to this victim—in knowing that her perpetrator will never leave prison— is the best outcome for our office.”

Pastrano was a prohibited possessor during these crimes due to previous felony convictions in December 1995, June 2011, and July 2022—these involved violent felonies, including an aggravated assault against his ex-wife.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233 for anyone who is a victim of abuse.

For more information on resources available in the Valley for domestic violence victims, click here.

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