Costa Mesa, California – A woman involved in a tragic road-rage incident on the Costa Mesa Freeway resulting in the death of a 6-year-old boy pleaded guilty on Friday to charges of accessory to the crime and concealed weapon possession. Wynne Lee, 26, received a four-year sentence, the maximum penalty, though she had already fulfilled it through custody credits and home confinement. With an excess of credits gained, Lee would not face probation upon release, according to Orange County Superior Court Judge Richard King, who also denied the possibility of probation.
Lee’s boyfriend, Marcus Anthony Eriz, fired the fatal shot that killed Aiden Leos on May 21, 2021, on the freeway in Yorba Linda. Eriz, 26, was then sentenced to 40 years to life in prison back in April. During the recent hearing, Aiden’s parents chose not to attend, as stated by Senior Deputy District Attorney Dan Feldman.
Judge King emphasized the severity of the crime, referring to it as an act of “great violence” against a “particularly vulnerable” victim, Aiden. He noted that Lee was aware of Eriz’s actions yet helped him evade authorities after the incident. Despite Lee’s clean criminal record, the judge deemed her actions as complicity in the tragic event.
The fatal encounter occurred when Lee, driving a Volkswagen, engaged in a road-rage confrontation with Aiden’s mother, Joanna Cloonan, on their way to kindergarten. After an exchange of gestures on the freeway, Eriz fired a shot from a Glock that struck Cloonan’s vehicle, ultimately hitting young Aiden in the backseat. The child succumbed to his injuries shortly after in his mother’s arms.
Both Lee and Eriz were reported to work at a collision repair shop, and Eriz, who kept a loaded gun in the vehicle, fired the fatal shot that day. Despite bail reductions and home confinement measures, Lee and Eriz took steps to conceal their involvement in the crime, resulting in outrage from the community and law enforcement officials.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer criticized the state’s legislation for permitting defendants in home confinement to earn day-for-day credits, allowing them lenient treatment. Spitzer condemned Lee’s and Eriz’s actions following Aiden’s tragic death, highlighting the disparity in consequences for their roles in the crime. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of road rage incidents and the importance of holding accountable those involved in such acts of violence.