On May 16, 2024, 50-year-old UPS driver Expedito X Cuesta De Leon was shot and killed while seated in his delivery truck in Irvine, California. He was found slumped over in the driver’s seat, still wearing his seatbelt and holding his scanner; officers attempted life-saving measures but he died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators say the assailant was 46-year-old Rhean Jalipa Fontanoza, described as a childhood friend and coworker. Fontanoza reportedly tracked De Leon’s route that day, asked another UPS driver about assignments, and accessed a company computer for route details. Driving a silver Honda Ridgeline, he approached the truck and fired 14 shots in about 19 seconds, then fled. He was located about an hour later near Santiago Canyon Road and was taken into custody after a standoff that involved tear gas and a police K-9.

The Orange County District Attorney charged Fontanoza with special circumstance murder, including allegations of shooting from a vehicle and murder by lying in wait. The motive remains unclear. De Leon, originally from San Jose, Ormoc, Philippines, moved to California at 14, served in the U.S. Army, and worked 27 years for UPS; family remember him as a loving husband and father with an infectious smile.

If anyone knew Expedito or has information about his route or interactions that day, please come forward.