Aliso Viejo, California – A 46-year-old man from Aliso Viejo has been formally charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a United Parcel Service (UPS) driver in Irvine. Rhean Jalipa Fontanoza faces charges of murder with special circumstances, including shooting from a vehicle and murder by lying in wait, along with a sentencing enhancement for using a gun to cause death. The arraignment for Fontanoza was set to take place on Monday.
The victim, identified as 50-year-old UPS driver Expedito Cuesta De Leon, was tragically killed while driving his UPS truck in Irvine. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on a street in Orange County. Security camera footage captured a silver Honda Ridgeline, believed to be driven by the suspect, pulling up next to the UPS truck before the fatal shooting took place.
Following the shooting, law enforcement was able to locate a pickup truck matching the description of a suspect vehicle provided by witnesses. The pickup truck was found parked along State Route 261 and Santiago Canyon Road. Fontanoza was apprehended by authorities after a standoff situation. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, though police have revealed that the suspect and victim were acquaintances.
In a statement released to the public, UPS expressed their condolences, stating that their hearts were heavy with the news of the loss of one of their drivers in Irvine. The company emphasized that the safety and well-being of their employees are their top priorities, and they are offering support and counseling services to those affected by the tragic incident. Witnesses with any information related to the shooting were urged to contact the police at 949-724-7200.
The case of Fontanoza and the fatal shooting of the UPS driver has brought shock and sadness to the community in Aliso Viejo and Irvine. As the legal proceedings unfold, residents and UPS employees are left grappling with the loss and seeking closure and justice for the victim. The impact of such a senseless act of violence reverberates throughout the local area, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.