Trial Begins for Man Accused in Freeway Shooting of 6-Year-Old

Prosecution and Defense Clash Over Intent in Road Rage Incident That Shocked Orange County

Marcus Anthony Eriz, 26, is on trial for second-degree murder for the shooting death of 6-year-old Aiden Leos during a road rage incident on the 55 Freeway in Orange County, California.
The defense argues that Eriz made a rash decision and had no intent to kill, while the prosecution describes the act as an expression of Eriz's 'cold indifference' and 'total disregard for human life'.
The incident occurred in May 2021, when Aiden's mother, Joanna Cloonan, was cut off by a car driven by Eriz's girlfriend, Wynne Lee, leading to Cloonan making a rude gesture.
Eriz allegedly responded by firing a single gunshot, which traveled through the trunk and back seat of Cloonan's car, fatally wounding Aiden.
Eriz and Lee were arrested two weeks after the incident following an intensive manhunt; Lee is facing lesser charges of being an accessory after the fact and is expected to be tried separately.