A UPS driver was the victim of a fatal shooting in Irvine, California in what law enforcement has labeled a deliberate assault. The deceased, Expedito Cuesta De Leon, 50, was shot 14 times in an ambush by Rhean Jalipa Fontanoza, a coworker and friend from childhood.
On May 16, 2024, while on his delivery route, De Leon was attacked. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office disclosed that Fontanoza, 46, had positioned himself at the intersection of Chrysler and Bendix in the Irvine Industrial Complex, waiting for De Leon. Reportedly, Fontanoza drove up in a silver Honda Ridgeline, and fired 14 shots at De Leon within 19 seconds, at around 3 p.m.
Security footage recorded the incident, as Fontanoza immediately sped away following the shooting. De Leon, still strapped in his seat and clutching his UPS scanner, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fontanoza, on disability leave from UPS until June 1, allegedly used his work credentials to enter the company’s computer system. According to authorities, he took photos of the drivers’ routes at the UPS substation in Aliso Viejo, California, allowing him to monitor De Leon’s whereabouts on the day of the murder. “Mr. De Leon was simply performing his job, unaware that his longtime friend was stalking him with the intent to kill,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer.
After the shooting, Fontanoza escaped, only to be apprehended by police later that day. Around 6 p.m., officers located him in his silver pickup in Orange, California. His arrest came after a short standoff involving SWAT officers and a K-9 unit. He was taken into custody following the use of tear gas.
Fontanoza has been accused of murder with special circumstances, specifically lying in wait and perpetrating a drive-by shooting. He also has a sentencing enhancement for using a firearm to cause death. If found guilty, Fontanoza could potentially face the death penalty.
The exact reason behind the murder is still uncertain. Nevertheless, the District Attorney’s office underscored the calculated nature of the crime. “The depravity involved to plot and carry out a plan to execute someone you shared a lifetime of memories with is not something any of us can wrap our heads around,” Spitzer commented.
UPS issued a statement expressing its distress over the incident: “We are shocked and saddened by the latest developments in Irvine, CA. This situation is extremely uncommon and does not reflect our company’s culture or the camaraderie among our employees globally. Our priority is to support our staff and their families during this challenging period.”
A public viewing for De Leon has been arranged, allowing loved ones to come forward and pay their respects.
