SANTA ANA, California – The tragic case of 6-year-old Aiden Leos, who was fatally shot in a road rage incident on the 55 Freeway in Orange County, reached a turning point as the driver involved, Wynne Lee, entered a guilty plea in court.
Lee, a 26-year-old from Costa Mesa, was driving the Volkswagen that was part of the deadly altercation that claimed the life of young Aiden. In court on Friday morning, Lee pleaded guilty to charges including accessory after the fact and having a concealed firearm in a vehicle. Despite being sentenced to four years, with custody credits and time served in home confinement, Lee had completed her sentence. The judge ordered her to pay fines by May 24 and restitution at a later date.
The shooter responsible for Aiden’s death was Marcus Anthony Eriz, who was Lee’s boyfriend at the time. Eriz was found guilty of second-degree murder and received a sentence of 40 years to life in prison. The tragic incident occurred on May 21, 2021, just 10 days after Aiden’s birthday, as he was being driven to kindergarten by his mother, Joanna Cloonan.
According to accounts during Eriz’s trial, the confrontation began when Cloonan and her son were cut off by Lee’s Volkswagen. An exchange of gestures escalated the situation, leading to the fatal shot being fired by Eriz from a 9mm Glock, striking Aiden in the back seat of the car. The heartbreaking loss of Aiden sparked outrage and calls for justice in the community.
The resolution of Lee’s case brings some closure to the devastating incident, although the pain and loss felt by Aiden’s loved ones and the community remain profound. The legal proceedings underscore the consequences of road rage and the devastating impact it can have on innocent lives.
As the community continues to mourn the loss of Aiden Leos, the legal system’s response to the tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and justice in addressing senseless acts of violence. The memory of Aiden lives on as a tragic reminder of the need for safer roads and increased awareness of the risks associated with road rage incidents.