Costa Mesa, California – A tragic road rage incident on the 55 freeway in the city of Orange resulted in the death of a six-year-old boy, Aiden Leos, who was shot and killed by Marcus Anthony Eriz. Eriz, 26, was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for his actions on Friday morning.
The incident occurred when Eriz fired at the car being driven by Aiden’s mother during a car-to-car confrontation on the freeway. Aiden, who was on his way to kindergarten, tragically lost his life after being struck in the chest by a bullet.
Following a two-week manhunt and a $500,000 reward, Eriz and his girlfriend Wynne Lee were arrested outside their Costa Mesa apartment in connection to the shooting. Eriz was identified as the shooter, while Lee was the driver of the vehicle involved in the tragic incident.
Eriz faced charges of second-degree murder and the discharging of a gun at an inhabited dwelling. A jury found him guilty of these charges in January. On the other hand, Lee was charged with being an accessory after the fact and a misdemeanor count of having a concealed firearm.
The sentencing of Eriz brings a sense of closure to a community that was deeply affected by the loss of young Aiden. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of road rage and the importance of accountability for such senseless acts of violence.
As the community continues to mourn the loss of Aiden, the sentencing of Eriz serves as a form of justice for the family and loved ones of the young victim. Moving forward, efforts to prevent similar tragedies and promote road safety remain crucial in ensuring the well-being of all individuals on the road.