Man faces weapons charges after pregnant woman fatally shot in Portage Park; baby reportedly in critical condition

by BRIAN NADIG

A reported convicted felon is facing weapons charges after a pregnant woman was fatally shot at her Portage Park home at about 4:50 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, but the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office reportedly is not charging him with the shooting itself.

The 35-year-old woman, identified as Edith Castrejon of the 5800 block of West Newport Avenue, was about six months pregnant, and doctors were able to remove the baby, who reportedly is in critical condition. She leaves behind three other children.

The suspect reportedly told police that a gun was under a pillow in a bedroom and that she tried moving the gun and it went off, striking Castrejon, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office has ruled the death a homicide, caused by a gunshot wound to the chest. Police have described the incident as domestic-related.

The suspect was identified by police as Robert Pasco, age 42, of the Newport address. He was charged with a felony count of unlawful use of a weapon/felon possession and a misdemeanor count of a firearm without a valid FOID card, according to Chicago police. 

A gofundme.com fundraiser account has been set up for the family, and as of Jan. 18, about $4,000 had been raised. A total of $6,500 is being sought.

Through Jan. 12 there have been no murder or shooting incidents this year reported in the 16th (Jefferson Park) District.

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