Orange, California. On May 31st, 6-year-old Aiden Leos was safely sitting in the back seat of his mom’s car, buckled into his car seat.
Aiden’s mom, Joanna Cloonan, was taking him to school that day as they drove down the 55 Freeway in Orange, California.
Joanna was in the carpool lane when the driver of a white-colored Volkswagen station wagon cut her off.
GoFundMe; pictured above is 6-year-old Aiden Leos
In response, Joanna flipped off the driver of the car. She then continued on, merging into a different lane.
Suddenly, someone from inside the white Volkswagen opened fire on Joanna’s car, hitting Aiden with a bullet.
Joanna pulled over and desperately tried to help Aiden, but he sadly passed away as his mom held him.
“The California Highway Patrol is seeking your assistance with any information related to a possible road rage incident that occurred this morning at approximately 8 AM on SR-55 northbound between SR-22 and Chapman Avenue in the city of Orange,” the California Highway Patrol said in a statement.
“A six-year-old child who was a passenger in a silver Chevrolet sedan was struck and killed by gunfire, possibly from a white Volkswagen station wagon last seen traveling northbound on SR-55 from Chapman Avenue.”
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Facebook; pictured above is the statement from the California Highway Patrol
“If you have any information regarding the incident (dashcam or cell phone video), please contact our office at 714-567-6000 or email Santaanachptipline@chp.ca.gov.”
Now, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer is offering a $400,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who shot and killed Aiden.
“Message to 6-year-old Aiden Leos’ killer: “the longer this goes on… the less sympathy I’ll have. You killed a 6-year-old boy for God’s sake. Come forward. Turn yourself in.” Share with your friends across SoCal 1-800-Tell-CHP Reward is $400,000,” Todd tweeted.
Twitter; pictured above is Todd’s tweet
“…Aiden Leos was on his way to school with his mother when she met another driver that was heartless enough to shoot through her vehicle which led to the death of this sweet boy,” Lily Dinh wrote on a GoFundMe page created for Aiden’s family.
“Because the individuals in that car felt over driving disagreements was worth a life, the parents, family, and friends are left with broken hearts.”
You can donate to the GoFundMe for Aiden’s family here.