Additional information was disclosed on Tuesday regarding the tragic ambush attack that claimed the life of a UPS driver in Orange County. It has come to light that the perpetrator responsible for this heinous act was none other than a childhood friend of the victim.
A shooting occurred on May 16 when Expedito Cuesta De Leon, 50, from Aliso Viejo, was sitting in his delivery van after completing a package drop-off at approximately 3 p.m.
In a shocking turn of events, an unidentified individual wearing a mask approached De Leon’s van and fired a staggering 14 shots within a mere 19 seconds, as reported by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Irvine police arrived at the scene near Chrysler and Bendix Streets in Irvine, where De Leon was discovered inside his delivery van with multiple gunshot wounds. The individual was declared deceased at the location.
A suspect, identified as Rhean Jalipa Fontanoza, 46, quickly fled the scene. He was located approximately one hour later and apprehended following a tense confrontation with a SWAT team.
Additional information has emerged indicating that the two individuals involved in the incident were not only colleagues at UPS, but also shared a long-standing friendship from their early years. They were also residents who resided in the same neighborhood.
According to the police, Fontanoza reportedly approached another UPS driver around 12:30 p.m. on May 16 and inquired about a specific route.
According to reports, Fontanoza allegedly visited the UPS Aliso Viejo substation and used a computer to view driver routes. He then took a picture of the information using his cell phone.
Fontanoza was on disability leave and had plans to return to work on June 1.
Shortly before 3 p.m., Fontanoza allegedly located De Leon during his route. According to reports, the suspect drove past De Leon multiple times in an unfamiliar vehicle.
He patiently anticipated De Leon’s return after making a delivery. According to court documents, he proceeded to pull up alongside the UPS van and began shooting.
According to the DA’s office, Fontanoza shot De Leon 14 times in 19 seconds while he still had his UPS scanner in his hand and his seatbelt buckled, as Fontanoza drove next to De Leon’s delivery truck.
Fontanoza was eventually located by law enforcement on Santiago Canyon Road in Orange. Following his refusal to leave his vehicle, tear gas was deployed and a police K9 was brought in. The suspect was ultimately pulled out of the truck and taken into custody.