A judge ruled on Friday that a California man will spend 40 years to life in prison for killing a six-year-old in a fit of road rage.
Earlier this year, Marcus Eriz, 27, was found guilty of the murder of Aiden Leos.
On May 21, 2021, Aiden found himself seated in the back of his mother’s car, en route to kindergarten. As they were traveling along State Route 55, Aiden’s mother, Joanna Cloonan, expressed her frustration by giving a defiant hand gesture to a driver in a Volkswagen who had rudely cut her off.
Eriz found himself in police custody a mere two weeks after the incident, as the California Highway Patrol spared no effort in launching an extensive manhunt to capture the shooter. Alongside Eriz, police also apprehended Wynne Lee, the individual responsible for driving the Volkswagen vehicle involved in the incident.
“The pain a mother feels when she tries everything in her power to save her dying son is indescribable,” expressed Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer after the sentencing on Friday.
Eriz was found guilty by a jury in January of second-degree murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, as well as two felony enhancements for personally discharging a firearm that caused great bodily injury and death.
Superior Court Judge Richard King ruled on Friday that the 27-year-old would be sentenced to be held in state prison for 40 years to life.
According to Mr. Spitzer, Judge King’s recognition of the situation is appreciated. It is important to acknowledge that this is not just a simple mistake, but a deliberate act of murder. Mr. Spitzer emphasizes that the perpetrator seems more concerned about his own future after prison, rather than the life of the young boy he took away prematurely.
Ms. Lee is currently awaiting trial, where she will face one felony count of accessory after the fact and one misdemeanor count of having a concealed firearm in a vehicle.
Eriz expressed his apologies in court before his sentencing, according to NBC News.
“He was not just a son, but also a beloved little brother and a cherished friend to many. Wherever he went, it seemed as though he brought light and joy to everyone’s lives. He was truly one of God’s angels,” expressed Eriz with remorse. “I deeply regret ever causing him harm and the pain he had to endure because of my actions.”
“He never deserved it. His family didn’t deserve it either,” Eriz added.
