MT. MORRIS, IL — A 25-year-old Oregon High School graduate, Cameron Pasley, was fatally shot in Mt. Morris on the evening of Monday, April 21, 2025, in what authorities are calling a tragic domestic dispute. Pasley was discovered suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside an apartment on South Ogle Street. He was later pronounced dead at Saint Katharine Hospital in Dixon. The suspected shooter, 44-year-old Derek Swanlund, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. As of the latest updates, Swan

The investigation is ongoing, with officials from multiple law enforcement agencies working to piece together the circumstances leading to Pasley’s death. As more details emerge, the investigation continues to focus on the nature of the domestic dispute that allegedly escalated into violence. The relationship between Pasley and Swanlund remains unclear at this time, though authorities have confirmed that the incident was domestic in nature.

 

The Incident: A Fatal Shooting and Rapid Response

 

The tragic event occurred at approximately 4:59 p.m. on Monday, when the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a shooting at 1 South Ogle Street, Apartment 13 in Mt. Morris. Deputies quickly responded to the scene and discovered Cameron Pasley inside the residence, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported by the Mt. Morris Fire Protection District to Saint Katharine Hospital in Dixon, where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.

 

The authorities were able to locate the suspect, Derek Swanlund, a short distance from the scene of the shooting. He was taken into custody without incident, and law enforcement confirmed that Swanlund has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Pasley. Investigators have also indicated that additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.

 

Derek Swanlund: The Suspect’s Background and Motive

 

Derek Swanlund, 44, has been formally charged with the murder of Cameron Pasley, but the details of his involvement and the exact motives behind the shooting remain unclear. Authorities have not released any information regarding the relationship between Swanlund and Pasley or the specific nature of the domestic dispute that reportedly led to the shooting. The sheriff’s office has stated that the investigation is ongoing and further updates will be provided as new details emerge.

 

Swanlund’s background, including any previous criminal history, has not been disclosed at this time. The fact that he was located near the scene and taken into custody without resistance suggests that he may have been aware of the severity of the situation and possibly did not attempt to flee. The circumstances surrounding his arrest are being closely examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

 

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office is working with other local law enforcement agencies, including the Mt. Morris Police Department, Polo Police Department, and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, to gather evidence and determine the full scope of the events that led to Pasley’s death.

 

Cameron Pasley: A Beloved Member of the Community

 

Cameron Pasley, a 2018 graduate of Oregon High School, was known for his easy-going personality and the positive presence he brought to those around him. According to a public statement released by the Oregon School District on April 22, Pasley had a bright future ahead of him and was a valued member of the school district’s custodial team. His colleagues and friends remembered him as someone who had the ability to make even stressful situations feel manageable and who could strike up a conversation with anyone.

 

“He had a bright future ahead of him and was someone who made even stressful situations feel manageable,” the statement from the Oregon School District read. “Cameron will be remembered for his easy-going personality, his ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone, and the calming presence he brought into every room.”

 

Pasley’s death has left a deep void in the community, especially among those who worked with him and knew him personally. The outpouring of support from the Oregon School District and the community reflects the widespread impact that Pasley had on those around him. His family, friends, and colleagues are now grappling with the unexpected and tragic loss of someone who was seen as an integral part of their lives.

 

The Community’s Response: Grief and Solidarity

 

The fatal shooting of Cameron Pasley has sent shockwaves through the Mt. Morris and Oregon communities, leaving friends, family, and colleagues in mourning. The fact that the shooting occurred in the midst of a domestic dispute has added to the grief, as the community struggles to comprehend how such a violent act could unfold. Pasley’s loved ones have expressed their sorrow on social media, sharing memories of him and reflecting on the positive impact he had on their lives.

 

A candlelight vigil and other memorial services are being organized by the Oregon School District and local community members to honor Pasley’s life. The vigil will serve as an opportunity for the community to come together, support one another, and remember Pasley’s contributions to the lives of those around him. His family and friends have asked that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time, but they are also appreciative of the support they have received from the community.

 

The Broader Issue of Domestic Violence: A Wake-Up Call for Communities

 

The shooting of Cameron Pasley serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and communities. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), one in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner violence in their lifetime. While the specifics of the dispute between Swanlund and Pasley have not been fully disclosed, the incident underscores the critical need for intervention and support for individuals experiencing domestic conflict.

 

In many cases of domestic violence, the conflict escalates gradually over time, with physical violence erupting once tensions reach a boiling point. Family members, friends, and co-workers often notice signs of domestic abuse but may be unsure of how to intervene or support the victim. Early intervention, education on recognizing warning signs, and access to domestic violence resources are crucial in preventing violence before it escalates to the point of death.

 

The Ruston tragedy and incidents like it have prompted local authorities and advocates to focus more attention on providing better access to mental health support, crisis intervention, and community outreach programs that can help prevent domestic violence before it turns deadly.

 

The Investigation: Ongoing Efforts to Uncover the Truth

 

The investigation into the shooting death of Cameron Pasley is ongoing, with law enforcement working to gather all relevant evidence and interview potential witnesses. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies has allowed for a more thorough investigation, and authorities are confident that they will be able to piece together the full details of the shooting.

 

While much of the investigation remains confidential, law enforcement is expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available. Authorities are also continuing to examine the relationships between all parties involved, including the nature of the domestic dispute and whether there were any prior warnings or signs of potential violence leading up to the shooting.

 

The legal proceedings against Derek Swanlund will be closely monitored, as the charges he faces carry serious legal consequences. If convicted of first-degree murder, Swanlund could face a lengthy prison sentence, potentially including life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

 

The Road to Justice: A Community’s Hope for Accountability

 

For the family of Cameron Pasley, the road to justice begins with the legal proceedings against Derek Swanlund. As the investigation continues and charges are brought against Swanlund, the family and community hope that the justice system will hold him accountable for his actions. The pain of Pasley’s loss will never be erased, but for his family and friends, the pursuit of justice offers the chance for some form of closure and healing.

 

Additionally, the case has sparked a broader conversation about the need to address domestic violence and its effects on communities. With incidents like this one occurring far too often, it’s clear that greater efforts must be made to prevent domestic violence, provide resources for victims, and offer support to those who may be at risk of escalating violence.

 

Conclusion: Remembering Cameron Pasley

 

The tragic shooting of Cameron Pasley has left a community in mourning, with loved ones, colleagues, and friends reflecting on the life of a young man whose time was cut short. His death has served as a painful reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the lasting impact it can have on individuals and communities. As law enforcement continues to investigate and the legal process unfolds, the community of Mt. Morris and beyond will continue to grieve the loss of a bright and promising young man.

 

For the family of Cameron Pasley, the journey ahead is one filled with sadness, but they will forever hold on to the memory of the kind, easy-going, and resilient person they knew. Pasley’s legacy will live on through the love and support of those who knew him, and the community will continue to honor his life by workin

g together to prevent violence and promote peace and healing.