Costa Mesa, California – A woman involved in a tragic road-rage incident on the Costa Mesa (55) Freeway that resulted in the death of a 6-year-old boy in a car seat has pleaded guilty to being an accessory to the crime and carrying a concealed weapon in the vehicle. Wynne Lee, 26, was sentenced to four years in prison, the maximum punishment, but was released due to custody credits and time served on home confinement.
Lee’s boyfriend, Marcus Anthony Eriz, was convicted earlier and sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for firing the fatal shot that killed Aiden Leos on May 21, 2021, on the freeway in Yorba Linda. The parents of the boy did not attend the hearing during Lee’s sentencing.
Judge Richard King emphasized that Lee would not be granted probation due to the serious nature of the crime and its impact on the victim, who was a young child. Despite having no prior criminal record, Lee played a role in the incident by aiding her boyfriend in evading authorities after the shooting.
During the incident, Lee and Eriz cut off Aiden’s mother, Joanna Cloonan, while driving on the freeway, leading to a confrontation. Eriz then fired a shot from a gun, which tragically hit young Aiden, causing his death. The boy’s mother was deeply affected by the incident, as she heard the shot and her son’s cry before he passed away in her arms.
After the shooting, Lee and Eriz attempted to conceal evidence of the crime, showing a lack of remorse for their actions. The prosecutor highlighted the significant impact of the incident on the community and the shortcomings of the legal system in allowing leniency for such serious crimes.
Despite the tragic loss of Aiden and the devastating consequences of their actions, Lee and Eriz continued with their daily lives, prompting outrage from the community and law enforcement officials. The case serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of road rage incidents and the need for accountability in such situations.
Ultimately, the sentencing of Lee and Eriz highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and the consequences of engaging in reckless behavior that can have devastating effects on innocent individuals and families. The tragic death of Aiden Leos serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the impact of senseless violence on communities and the urgent need for stricter consequences for those who commit such heinous acts.