‘An innocent bystander’: Community wraps around family of murdered Antioch business owner

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Korean community in Nashville is doing what they can to uplift the family of an Antioch business owner who was gunned down outside his restaurant.

Hwarang Joo was the only victim in Sunday night’s deadly shooting in which police believe he was not the intended target.

“Just a hardworking man,” Hanna Kim said. “Law abiding, innocent bystander.”

Kim serves as the secretary for the Korean American Association of Greater Nashville. Since they learned of the news from Joo’s wife, they’ve wrapped their arms around the family the best way they could.

“[She was] Just waiting for the husband and trying to track his location with her two small children at home without knowing why he’s not returning home,” Kim said. “So basically, until the following morning, she had no knowledge.”

Kim and others have established not only a GoFundMe, but also a network of local Korean-owned restaurants who are providing food for the family.

“This is the reason why a nonprofit like this should exist,” Kim said.

Metro Police arrested one of two suspects, 17-year-old Marcos Leyva-Hernandez. Police say they’re still searching for his twin brother, Emilio, who they said is also seen on surveillance video at the time of the shooting.

“We also feel that they’re old enough to take responsibilities for the consequences of their actions,” Kim said, noting how young the suspects are.

Those who knew Joo said when you didn’t find him at work, you’d find him home taking care of his wife and kids he now leaves behind.

“[The] Kids look out the window every time the car pulls up, hoping that it’s daddy coming home from work,” Kim said.

Kim says they’re asking for the community’s thoughts and prayers as the family navigates this difficult time.

Joo’s service is scheduled for this Tuesday, December 3, at Nashville Korean Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit on Nolensville Pike.

Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.