In the quiet town of Mt. Morris, Illinois, a vibrant life was cut short on the evening of April 21, 2025, when 25-year-old Cameron Pasley, a beloved Oregon High School graduate, was fatally shot in a domestic incident that has left the community reeling. The tragedy unfolded at an apartment complex on 1 South Ogle Street, where Pasley was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the swift response of emergency services, he succumbed to his injuries at Saint Katharine Hospital in Dixon, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and a community grappling with grief.
The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at approximately 4:59 p.m. on Monday, arriving at Apartment 13 to a scene of devastation. Pasley, a 2018 graduate of Oregon High School and a custodial team member for the Oregon School District, was discovered inside the residence, his life hanging in the balance. The Mt. Morris Fire Protection District rushed him to the hospital, but medical efforts were unable to save him. The loss of Pasley, described by those who knew him as a calming presence with an easy-going nature, has struck a deep chord in Mt. Morris and beyond.
Authorities identified 44-year-old Derek Swanlund as the suspect in the shooting. Swanlund was apprehended a short distance from the crime scene without incident and is now in custody at the Ogle County Jail, facing charges of first-degree murder. The sheriff’s office has indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues to unfold. The precise circumstances of the domestic dispute that led to the shooting, as well as the relationship between Pasley and Swanlund, remain undisclosed, with officials withholding details pending further investigation.
The response to the incident was a collaborative effort, with the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office leading the investigation alongside support from the Mt. Morris Police Department, Polo Police Department, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, and the Mt. Morris Fire Protection District. This multi-agency approach underscores the gravity of the event and the commitment to uncovering the full scope of what transpired in that apartment on Monday evening.
Pasley’s death has reverberated through the Oregon School District, where he was not only an alumnus but also a valued employee. In a heartfelt statement shared on social media on April 22, the district remembered him as someone who could light up any room with his ability to connect with others. His colleagues and students alike recalled his knack for making even the most challenging moments feel manageable, a testament to his enduring impact. The district extended its condolences to Pasley’s family, friends, and coworkers, urging the community to hold them close during this time of profound sorrow.
As the investigation progresses, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office has promised to provide updates when new information becomes available. For now, Mt. Morris mourns the loss of a young man whose bright future was extinguished too soon. Cameron Pasley’s memory, marked by his kindness and ability to bring people together, will linger in the hearts of those who knew him, even as the community seeks answers and healing in the wake of this tragedy.