California Man Convicted of Second-Degree Murder in Road Rage Shooting
Marcus Anthony Eriz, a 26-year-old California man, has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of six-year-old Aiden Leos.
The tragic incident occurred in May 2021 as Aiden’s mother drove him to school on the 55 Freeway.
The jury in Orange County reached the verdict, also convicting Eriz of causing great bodily injury and death, along with shooting at an occupied vehicle.
Road Rage Incident Unfolds
Testimony from Aiden’s mother, Joanna Cloonan, revealed the events leading up to the shooting.
Cloonan described how a Volkswagen SportWagen abruptly cut in front of her car on the freeway, driven by Eriz’s girlfriend, Wynne Lee.
Following a gestured dispute initiated by Cloonan, Eriz, seated in the passenger seat, responded with a smile.
Moments later, an impact was heard, and Aiden cried out in pain, ultimately succumbing to a gunshot wound.
Tragic Aftermath and Investigation
The bullet that claimed Aiden’s life tore through the trunk of the vehicle before entering his body, causing severe injuries to his liver, lung, and heart.
Despite immediate efforts by an off-duty police officer and paramedics, Aiden was pronounced dead at the hospital.
A photograph of the six-year-old brought Cloonan to tears during the trial.
Admission of Guilt and Unexplained Motives
During a police interrogation, Eriz admitted to his role in Aiden’s death, acknowledging that he pulled the trigger with a Glock.
However, he claimed not to understand why he did it, stating, “I don’t have an answer.
Because I’m stupid? I didn’t think of the consequences or anyone.”
Eriz learned about his involvement in the boy’s death a week after the incident but chose not to turn himself in, believing Lee had done nothing wrong.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
After a two-week manhunt, Eriz and Lee were arrested.
Authorities discovered that Eriz had hidden the car in a relative’s garage, altered his appearance, and shaved his beard during this time.
Lee, facing separate charges, including being an accessory after the fact, is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on February 9.
This heart-wrenching case highlights the consequences of a road rage incident that ended in the senseless loss of a young life.
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