In a tragic road rage incident that captured national attention, Marcus Anthony Eriz, a resident of Costa Mesa, Orange County, has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 6-year-old Aiden Leos on the 55 Freeway. The jury's verdict also included charges of causing great bodily injury and death, as well as shooting at an occupied vehicle.

The verdict was announced in a Santa Ana courtroom on Thursday, and despite the severity of the charges, Eriz showed no visible reaction as the jury's decision was read aloud. If sentenced to the maximum penalty, he could face up to 40 years in prison.

The incident occurred on May 21, 2021, just 10 days after Aiden's birthday. Aiden was riding in a booster seat as his mother, Joanna Cloonan, drove him to kindergarten. According to witnesses and Cloonan's account, another vehicle abruptly cut her off, prompting her to respond with a hand gesture. The vehicle then maneuvered behind Cloonan's car, and from within, a gunshot was fired through the rear of her vehicle, tragically claiming Aiden's life.

Following a two-week manhunt, Eriz, now 26 years old, and his girlfriend, Wynne Lee, were arrested in connection with the shooting. Lee, who was allegedly driving the car when the incident occurred, could face up to four years in prison if convicted on charges of being an accessory after the fact and having a concealed firearm in a vehicle. Lee's pretrial hearing is scheduled for February 9.

During the trial, the central question for the jury was Eriz's intent and state of mind at the time of the shooting. While Eriz and his defense team admitted that he fired the fatal shot, they argued that it was a spontaneous act without any intention to kill the child. Defense attorney Randall Bethune emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest that Eriz knew a child was present in the targeted vehicle.

Conversely, Orange County prosecutors contended that whether or not Eriz intended to kill Aiden, his actions displayed implied malice that resulted in the tragic loss of the young boy's life. Senior deputy district attorney Dan Feldman characterized the shooting as a callous and cold-hearted disregard for human life, fueled by anger over a mere hand gesture.

During the trial, Eriz himself claimed that he began carrying a firearm due to perceived increased hostility on local freeways. When pressed for an explanation as to why he shot at Cloonan's car, he stated that he acted impulsively and without considering the consequences.

Joanna Cloonan, who testified during the trial, vividly described the chaotic moments after the shooting, including discovering the bullet hole in her car and being surrounded by concerned individuals. Toward the end of her emotional testimony, she was shown a picture of her beloved son Aiden, causing her to break down in tears on the stand.

While the trial of Marcus Anthony Eriz has ended with a guilty verdict, the community continues to mourn the loss of young Aiden Leos, and the impact of this tragic road rage incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of escalating conflicts on the roadways.