SANTA ANA, California – In an Orange County courtroom, a man was handed a sentence of 40 years to life in prison for a road-rage shooting that tragically took the life of a 6-year-old boy, Aiden Leos. Marcus Anthony Eriz, 26, of Costa Mesa, was found guilty of second-degree murder and firing at an occupied vehicle in connection to the incident that occurred on May 21, 2021. The jury also confirmed the use of a handgun during the offense.
During the trial, Aiden’s family was notably absent from the sentencing hearing, where Eriz finally spoke and expressed his apologies to the grieving family. The heartbreaking events unfolded when Aiden was with his mother on their way to kindergarten, sitting in the back seat of their car. The confrontation on the freeway resulted in Aiden being struck by a bullet fired from another vehicle.
Aiden’s mother, Joanna Cloonan, recounted the moments leading up to the tragedy when a white Volkswagen cut her off, initiating a series of events culminating in the fatal shooting. The prosecution argued that the situation escalated after gestures were exchanged between the drivers, ultimately leading to the devastating outcome.
Eriz’s arrest followed an extensive search by law enforcement authorities looking for the perpetrator in the wake of Aiden’s death. The trial shed light on the callous act committed by Eriz, detailing how the bullet pierced through the car and struck Aiden, causing fatal injuries. Aiden’s mother vividly recalled the harrowing experience of trying to save her son’s life on the side of the freeway as he lay wounded.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the community rallied together in search of justice, offering rewards and support to assist in capturing the suspect. Eriz’s attempt to evade authorities by altering his appearance and hiding the vehicle only delayed the inevitable, with his eventual arrest bringing a sense of closure to the grieving family and the public at large.
As the legal proceedings continue, with Eriz’s girlfriend facing charges as well, the memory of Aiden Leos serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of reckless and violent actions on the road. The impact of his untimely death reverberates through the community, highlighting the need for greater awareness and accountability in preventing such tragedies from recurring in the future.