A UPS driver in Aliso Viejo, California, is facing a felony murder charge after allegedly shooting his co-worker while on his route. Rhean Jalipa Fontanoza, 46, is accused of firing at his colleague, 50-year-old Expedito De Leon, 14 times while De Leon was sitting in his delivery truck. The incident occurred in Southern California’s Orange County. Fontanoza reportedly struck De Leon 10 times with projectiles, resulting in his death.
Officials revealed that Fontanoza and De Leon were long-time childhood friends. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. Fontanoza, who had been on disability leave, was scheduled to return to work on June 1. According to prosecutors, Fontanoza stopped another UPS driver to inquire about De Leon’s route before visiting the UPS Aliso Viejo substation to access driver route information.
Subsequently, Fontanoza allegedly tracked De Leon down on his route and drove past him in a new vehicle that De Leon would not recognize. De Leon left his truck to make a delivery, returned, and buckled his seatbelt. While De Leon still held his UPS scanner, Fontanoza pulled up next to him and shot him multiple times within seconds before driving away. Fontanoza was apprehended by police in his vehicle later that day, despite initially refusing to exit.
Fontanoza has been charged with special circumstance murder and is being held in Orange County without bail. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed shock at the incident, emphasizing the extreme nature of plotting and executing such a heinous act against a lifelong friend. Prosecutors have not disclosed whether they plan to seek the death penalty if Fontanoza is found guilty.
The tragic incident has left the community stunned, with UPS expressing deep sadness and emphasizing that the actions of Fontanoza do not reflect the company’s values. The case is ongoing, with authorities continuing their investigation into the shooting.