THE TRIAL is now underway of a man accused of fatally shooting a child riding in a car on the freeway (Shutterstock).

SANTA ANA (AP) — A prosecutor said Thursday that a California man acted callously in pulling out his gun and firing a shot at a car traveling on the freeway, killing a 6-year-old boy who was riding in the back in a booster seat.

Marcus Eriz, who is now 26, sat in the courtroom during opening statements in his trial on a charge of murder in the death of Aiden Leos while the boy’s mother was driving him to kindergarten on one of the most congested freeways in Orange County in 2021. Eriz and his girlfriend, Wynne Lee, were heading to work when Lee cut off a car driven by Leos’ mother, who responded with a rude gesture, authorities said.

The mother heard a bang and her son say “ow” and pulled over to the side of the Costa Mesa (55) freeway, where she saw he was bleeding. A bullet had ripped through the car trunk and back seat, piercing the boy’s liver, lung and heart, said Daniel Feldman, senior deputy district attorney, who played a 911 call in court where the mother pleaded desperately for help and repeatedly called out her son’s name.

“This is not a road rage case,” Feldman said. “This is an expression by Mr. Eriz of cold indifference. This is an expression by Mr. Eriz of his callous and total disregard for human life.”

The May 21, 2021, shooting drew national attention and sparked outrage in the county of 3 million people where residents depend on a vast network of freeways to get to work and school. It also sparked a days-long manhunt for the suspect where authorities pleaded for tips and posted information about rewards.