With the help of an “indescribable outpouring of concern and hundreds of tips” police have arrested the suspects in a road rage killing of 6-year-old Aiden Anthony Leos.
The shooting took place on the 55 Freeway on May 21, 2021. Aiden was in the backseat of while his mother, Joanna Cloonan, was driving. They were approaching the 22 Freeway when their car was cut off by a Volkswagen station wagon, to which Cloonan responded with hand gesture. The other vehicle then got behind them, and a person inside it shot into a rear window of Cloonan’s car, striking and killing Aiden.
Investigators from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) began an “intensive manhunt” for the suspects. A reward of at least $500,000—including contributions from the family, Orange County officials, and others—was offered for information about the suspects. The two alleged killers, 24-year-old Marcus Anthony Eriz and 23-year-old Wynne Lee, were arrested in their Costa Mesa home on June 6th.
Amanda Ray, CHP Commissioner, stated in the press release, “On behalf of Border Division Chief Omar Watson, and the Santa Ana Area, we are deeply grateful for the professionalism and tireless commitment of our investigators who have worked on this case from day one to find those responsible for Aiden’s death. While these arrests will not ease the pain of a mother’s loss, my hope is for the Leos family to have some peace of mind and to rest assured the CHP will work with the Orange County District Attorney to bring justice for Aiden.”
