Serial Domestic Violence Abuser Sentenced to Life in Prison for Two Violent Attacks on Ex-Wife

Serial Domestic Violence Abuser Sentenced to Life in Prison for Two Violent Attacks on Ex-Wife

Eric Pastrano Receives Life Sentence After Jury Convicts Him of Multiple Felonies in Domestic Violence Cases

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that Eric Pastrano, a 49-year-old convicted domestic violence abuser, has been sentenced to life in prison for a series of violent attacks against his ex-wife. Pastrano was found guilty in August on five felony counts related to two separate domestic violence incidents in 2023.

On April 2, 2023, Pastrano left his ex-wife a chilling voicemail, threatening her life and stating he would “bathe in her blood.” He followed up with numerous threatening text messages. Later that day, Pastrano appeared at her Phoenix home, but he left when he noticed she had a firearm. At the time, the victim’s daughter and granddaughter were also present, and they were forced to hide in a bathroom while calling the police.

A month later, on May 9, 2023, Pastrano returned to the home around midnight, this time wearing a ski mask and body armor. He broke in through the back door, armed with a gun, and fired a round through the victim’s bedroom door, narrowly missing her. Once inside, Pastrano brutally pistol-whipped and choked the victim until she lost consciousness.


“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 violent offenses, Pastrano was already a prohibited possessor due to prior felony convictions, including a violent assault against his ex-wife. His criminal history dates back to December 1995, with additional felony convictions in 2011 and 2022 for violent crimes.

The prosecution, led by Deputy County Attorneys Kayla Babb and Evelyn Hernandez, worked tirelessly to secure justice for the victim. Mitchell praised their dedication, noting their commitment to protecting victims of domestic abuse and ensuring dangerous offenders like Pastrano are held accountable.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit www.thehotline.org for support.