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 in the year, Marcus Eriz, aged 27, was convicted by a jury for the murder of Aiden Leos.
On May 21, 2021, Aiden found himself sitting in the back seat of his mother’s car as they made their way to kindergarten. It was a normal day until Aiden’s mother, Joanna Cloonan, encountered a reckless driver in a Volkswagen who abruptly cut her off. In response, Joanna couldn’t help but express her frustration by flipping the driver off.
Eriz faced arrest just two weeks later when the California Highway Patrol initiated an extensive manhunt to track down the shooter. Alongside Eriz, the police also apprehended Wynne Lee, the individual who had been driving the Volkswagen.
“The anguish a mother experiences when she desperately seeks a way to aid her young son as he approaches death is indescribable,” expressed Todd Spitzer, the Orange County District Attorney, in response to the recent sentencing on Friday.
Eriz was convicted by a jury in January of second-degree murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and 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 40 years to life in state prison.
According to Mr. Spitzer, Judge King’s recognition of the situation is highly appreciated. He understands that this is not just a simple mistake, but a deliberate act of murder. It is disheartening to see the murderer more concerned about his life after prison, rather than the innocent little boy whose life he took away prematurely.
Ms. Lee, in the meantime, is currently awaiting trial for one felony count of being an accessory after the fact and one misdemeanor count of possessing a concealed firearm in a vehicle.
Eriz expressed his remorse to the court as he awaited his sentencing, according to NBC News.
“He embodied the roles of a loving son, a cherished little brother, and a trusted friend. Everywhere he went, his presence seemed to bring light and joy, like one of God’s own angels,” expressed Eriz with deep remorse. “I deeply regret causing him any harm and the pain he endured because of my actions.”
Eriz expressed his belief that he never deserved it, and neither did his family.
