Father of Aiden Leos Files Lawsuit Against Mother Following Son’s Tragic Death in Road Rage Incident
Father Files Lawsuit Against Mother in Son’s Road Rage Death
LOS ANGELES – The tragic 2021 road rage incident that claimed the life of 6-year-old Aiden Leos is once again the focus of legal proceedings. Aidan’s father, Joey Leos, has initiated a civil lawsuit against his ex-partner, Joanna Cloonan, alleging that her "aggressive driving" and a provocative gesture contributed to the circumstances surrounding their son’s death.
The lawsuit was filed in Orange County Superior Court, where Cloonan is named as a defendant alongside Marcus Anthony Eriz, the man convicted of the shooting, and his girlfriend, Wynne Lee. Cloonan’s mother is also mentioned in the lawsuit. Joey Leos contends that while Eriz was the one who fired the shot, Cloonan played a role in creating an environment that led to the tragic outcome.
Joey Leos argues that Cloonan’s actions on the road directly provoked the violence. The lawsuit seeks to establish liability as it prepares to proceed to trial in the coming months. Notably, the criminal cases involving Eriz, who is serving a 40-year-to-life sentence, and Lee, who pleaded guilty to being an accessory, have already concluded.
Cloonan admitted to making a hand gesture toward another vehicle after Eriz cut her off, which subsequently led to him firing a shot that struck Aiden while he was seated in a booster seat. Despite the emotional weight of this case, the specific legal rationale for including Cloonan’s mother in the lawsuit has not been disclosed.
As the civil trial approaches, implications extend beyond the courtroom, highlighting the severe consequences of road rage and the responsibilities drivers have on the road. Aiden’s tragic death and the ongoing legal battles continue to resonate deeply, making this case one that underscores the lasting impact of such incidents.
