Irvine, California – A 46-year-old Aliso Viejo man faces murder charges after the shooting death of a United Parcel Service driver in Irvine. Rhean Jalipa Fontanoza is accused of murder, with special circumstances and sentencing enhancement for using a gun causing death. The arraignment for Fontanoza was set to take place on Monday.
The victim, 50-year-old UPS driver Expedito Cuesta De Leon, was driving his UPS truck when he was shot around 3 p.m. on a street in Orange County, California. Security footage revealed the suspect’s silver Honda Ridgeline pulling up next to the UPS truck before the shooting occurred.
Following the incident, the victim was found slumped over in the driver’s seat of the UPS truck. Law enforcement located a pickup truck matching the suspect vehicle’s description along State Route 261 and Santiago Canyon Road, leading to Fontanoza’s arrest after a standoff.
Authorities mentioned that Fontanoza and the victim were acquaintances, but no motive for the shooting has been disclosed yet. UPS expressed their condolences, stating that the safety and well-being of their employees are a top priority, offering support and counseling to those affected by the tragedy.
Police asked anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them at 949-724-7200. Fontanoza’s court appearance was scheduled for Monday to address the charges brought against him in connection with the shooting of UPS driver Expedito Cuesta De Leon.