A man was sentenced to life in prison for two domestic violence cases in Phoenix, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Eric Pastrano was found guilty in August by a jury of five felony counts involving domestic violence against his ex-wife.
On April 2, 2023, Pastrano left the victim a voicemail stating, in part that he would ‘bathe in her blood’. He also sent numerous text messages threatening her life. Later that day he showed up at her Phoenix home and left once he saw the victim had a firearm. The victim’s daughter and granddaughter were also at home at the time and were forced to hide in a bathroom where they called the police.
On May 9, 2023, Pastrano returned to the victim’s home around midnight wearing a ski mask and body armor. Pastrano broke into the home through a back door armed with a gun. He fired a round through the victim’s bedroom door, barely missing her. Once inside her bedroom, he pistol whipped and choke her until she passed out.
“Living in fear for your life is no way to live,” said County Attorney Rachel 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.”
At the time of these offenses, Pastrano was a prohibited possessor due to previous felony convictions in December 1995, June 2011, and July 2022, all of which involved violent felonies, including an aggravated assault against his ex-wife.