By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-29 21:56:34 | Updated at 2024-11-30 00:59:13
3 hours ago
A set of identical teen twins have been accused of murdering a Nashville restaurant owner who got caught up in a shootout.
Marcos Leyva-Hernandez, 17, has been charged over the death of Hwarang Joo, 39. His twin brother Emilio Leyva-Hernandez remains at large.
The teens began firing at people inside a nearby Dodge Charger when Joo got caught in the melee, police said.
The restauranteur was leaving his premises, Hot Stuff Chicken, when the firing began.
He was driving a Volkswagen at the time which he ended up crashing into a dental office.
The suspects then fled the scene in a Ford Taurus, as did the three occupants of the Dodge, all of whom were unharmed.
The Korean American Association of Nashville was among those to pay tribute to the 'kind and gentle' victim.
'Hwarang was a loving husband and a devoted father who always put his family first,' the organization wrote on a fundraiser.
Marcos Leyva-Hernandez, 17, (left) as been charged over the death of Hwarang Joo. His identical twin Emilio is wanted and remains at large
Marcos has been charged with criminal homicide over the death of the Nashville restaurant owner
The teens were seen fleeing the scene in this Ford Taurus which has a rust spot and front end damage
'His absence has created a void that can never be filled.'
The father leaves behind his devastated wife and two young children.
Family friend Jeehae Song said that Joo's wife first found out about his death after he failed to return from work at his regular hour.
'JiHye went to the business only to find out that her husband was shot to death. This family is grieving and in a dire need of community help,' she said.
Police said Emilio is still on the run and are asking anyone with information to get in touch via 911 or call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
The Ford Taurus the teens were using has a rust spot and front-end damage, according to the cops.
