Mother of Aiden Leos Faces Lawsuit Amid Tragic Road Rage Shooting: A Story of Grief and Resilience
A mother who tragically lost her 6-year-old son in a road rage shooting on the 55 Freeway in Orange County in 2021 is now facing a lawsuit from the boy's father. The lawsuit, filed in Orange County Superior Court, also includes the shooter, Marcus Anthony Eriz, who is currently serving a prison sentence for the incident. The mother, Joanna Cloonan, expressed her deep pain and disbelief at the situation, denying the allegations of aggressive driving that allegedly provoked the shooting.
The heartbreaking incident occurred in May 2021 when Aiden Leos, the young boy, was fatally shot while sitting in a booster seat in his mother's car. The father, Joey Leos, claims in the lawsuit that Cloonan's driving behavior led to the tragic shooting, a claim vehemently denied by Cloonan. Despite requests for comment, neither Joey Leos nor his attorney responded to inquiries from ABC7.
In addition to Cloonan, the lawsuit also names Eriz's girlfriend, Wynne Lee, who was a passenger in the car at the time of the shooting, and Cloonan's mother, who set up a GoFundMe page after the boy's death. Cloonan expressed her distress at being retraumatized by the lawsuit and emphasized her desire to be left alone to heal from the immense pain she has endured.
Cloonan's attorney, Mike Caspino, condemned the lawsuit as abusive and unprecedented, vowing to fight for its dismissal at the earliest opportunity. He described the case as reprehensible and expressed confidence that justice would prevail. Despite the ongoing legal battle, Cloonan continues to struggle with anxiety and pain but remains determined to overcome the darkness and not let evil triumph.
The civil case is currently scheduled for trial at the end of March, with Cloonan hoping to find closure and peace as she navigates the difficult journey of healing from the tragic loss of her son. The mother's resilience and determination to fight against injustice and evil serve as a testament to her strength and unwavering spirit in the face of unimaginable grief and adversity.