Orange County, California – A Costa Mesa man has received a 40-year to life prison sentence for fatally shooting a 6-year-old boy during a road rage incident back in 2021. Marcus Anthony Eriz, 26, opened fire on the car carrying six-year-old Aiden Leos while his mother was driving on the 55 freeway in Orange. Aiden tragically lost his life after being struck by a bullet in the chest while on his way to kindergarten.
Following a manhunt lasting over two weeks and offering a $500,000 reward, Eriz and his girlfriend, Wynne Lee, were apprehended outside their Costa Mesa apartment in connection to the shooting. Eriz was identified as the shooter, while Lee was the driver. Eriz faced charges of murder and discharging a gun at an inhabited dwelling, ultimately being found guilty of second-degree murder by a jury in January.
During the sentencing hearing, Eriz expressed a heartfelt apology to Aiden’s family, acknowledging the young boy as a son, a little brother, and a friend to many. Despite considering Eriz’s childhood trauma and age at the time of the incident, the judge decided not to add 25 years to life to his sentence for using a gun in the attack, as requested by the defense.
The judge highlighted that there was no legal justification for the shooting other than a desire for revenge. Eriz’s girlfriend, Lee, was charged as an accessory after the fact and faced a misdemeanor count of possessing a concealed firearm. She is currently awaiting trial for her involvement in the tragic incident.
The senseless act of violence that claimed the life of young Aiden Leos has sparked outrage and sorrow in the local community. As the legal proceedings continue, the family and friends of Aiden strive for justice and closure in the wake of this heartbreaking loss. The impact of this tragic event serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of road rage and gun violence in society.