PHOENIX — A man described by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office as a serial domestic violence abuser will be spending life in prison, according to authorities.
In August Eric Pastrano, 49, was found guilty on multiple charges, including five felony counts, connected to two attacks on his ex-wife, County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On Aug. 2, 2023, Pastrano left the victim a voicemail that said in part he would "bathe in her blood," Mitchell said. He also sent the victim "numerous" text messages that contained threats to her life. Later in the day, Pastrano went to the victim's home but was scared off when he saw she was armed with a gun. During the encounter, the victim's daughter and granddaughter were forced to take cover in the bathroom of the home.
Mitchell said just over a month later, on May 9, 2023, Pastrano targeted the victim again. This time he broke into the woman's home at around midnight and attacked her. While there, he fired a gun through the victim's bedroom door, nearly hitting her. He then forced his way into the bedroom where he pistol-whipped and choked the victim until she passed out.
“Living in fear for your life is no way to live,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell said she hopes Pastrano's conviction will bring a sense of closure to the victim.
“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,” said Mitchell.
Pastrano was convicted on the following charges:
- 1 count of burglary, first degree
- 2 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- 1 count possession by a convicted felon
- 1 count misconduct with body armor
- 1 possession of defaced weapon
- 1 count threat/ intimidation
- 1 count criminal trespass
According to Mitchell, Pastrano is a repeat offender with prior violent felony convictions in December 1995, June 2011 and July 2022.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please call or text the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit www.thehotline.org.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
