The reward for information leading to an arrest in an apparent shooting of a 6-year-old boy in Southern California last month increased to $ 450,000.
Aiden Leos was sitting in the back seat of his mother’s car when she was driving him to kindergarten when another driver shot him dead on May 21, authorities said. Aiden was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
According to reports from the mother and witnesses who helped her, she was interrupted by another car, she responded with a wave of her hand and the car slid in behind her and someone fired a shot through the back of her car.
The reward consists of donations from anonymous donors, government officials, and community members. Aiden’s family initially provided $ 50,000 as a reward, which was later increased to $ 100,000 by Orange County’s manager Don Wagner.
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley pledged an additional $ 50,000, according to a statement shared on May 25. Anonymous donors and community members – including local businesses – donated $ 250,000.
The Costa Mesa City Council unanimously decided on June 1 to contribute $ 50,000 for a grand total of $ 450,000.
“The senseless tragedy of the death of Aiden Leos is felt by the entire community,” Mayor John Stephens said in a statement. “We want to do whatever is necessary to bring Aiden’s murderer to justice, to get him or her off our streets, and to prevent others from engaging in this kind of dangerous behavior.”
Last week, the California Highway Patrol identified an interesting vehicle as a 2018 or 2019 white Volkswagen Golf SportWagen with untinted windows. According to authorities, there was a driver and a male passenger in the vehicle.
“Let’s create justice for his family”: Rewards reach at least $ 300,000 for finding someone to shoot a 6-year-old on the California freeway
A GoFundMe to support Aiden’s mother and family, raised over $ 300,000 as of Thursday.
“What happened to Aiden is a devastating tragedy,” Foley said in her statement. “I am heartbroken for his family and especially for his parents, Joanna Cloonan and Jose Leos. I want to do everything in my power to bring Sagittarius to justice. “
CHP urged anyone with possible clues to the suspect’s identity to contact the California Highway Patrol Santa Ana Area Office.
Featuring: Christine Fernando, USA TODAY: The Associated Press.