SANTA ANA, Calif. – A tragic case involving the shooting death of 6-year-old Aiden Leos on the 55 Freeway in Orange County had a recent development in court. The driver, Wynne Lee, 26, of Costa Mesa, pleaded guilty to charges related to the incident.
Lee was the driver of the Volkswagen involved in a road rage incident in 2021 that resulted in the death of young Aiden. She faced charges of accessory after the fact and having a concealed firearm in a vehicle. Lee admitted guilt to two counts and was promptly sentenced to four years. However, with custody credits and time already served in home confinement, Lee had completed her sentence. She was also ordered to pay fines by a specified date.
In addition to the court’s sentencing, Lee was instructed to pay restitution, with details to be determined at a later time. Aiden’s shooter, Lee’s boyfriend Marcus Anthony Eriz, was found guilty of second-degree murder in the tragic incident and was recently sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.
The heartbreaking event occurred on May 21, 2021, just 10 days after Aiden’s birthday. Aiden, seated in a booster seat, was with his mother Joanna Cloonan on their way to kindergarten when the tragedy unfolded. Cloonan recalled being cut off by the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen driven by Lee, which led to a series of escalating actions between the two vehicles.
According to Senior Deputy District Attorney Dan Feldman’s statements during Eriz’s trial, the situation escalated when Cloonan interpreted a peace sign from Lee as sarcastic. Following a gestural exchange between the vehicles, Eriz fired a shot from a 9mm Glock, which tragically struck the Chevrolet and fatally wounded the young boy.
The case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of road rage and the devastating consequences that can result from such incidents. Aiden’s life was cut short in a senseless act of violence that left a community in mourning.