Teen Suspect Arrested for Murder of Restaurant Owner; Still looking for twin brother

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A suspect in the murder of a Nashville business owner killed in the crossfire of a shooting on Sunday was arrested Thursday, while the suspect’s twin brother remains at large.

Marcos Leyva-Hernandez, 17, was charged with criminal homicide in the death of 39-year-old Hwarang Joo, owner of the Hot Stuff Chicken restaurant in the Mill Creek Village shopping center on Bell Road.

Joo had just left his shop when there was an exchange of fire. He was hit during the shooting in the 1300 block of Bell Road and his Volkswagen accelerated before crashing into a nearby dentist’s office.

Metro Police investigators say the Leyva-Hernandez brothers allegedly used an AR-style rifle to open fire on people in a nearby Dodge Charger. The brothers fled in a Ford Taurus and the three people in the Charger, who police said were not struck, also fled.

Metro police are still searching for Leyva-Hernandez’s twin brother, Emilio, in connection with the fatal shooting. Investigators are asking anyone who saw him or the Ford Taurus the brothers saw the day of the shooting to call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

The car has a rust spot and front damage. Images of the car and Emilio Leyva-Hernandez are included in the photos above this article.

Do you have any further information about this story? You can email me at [email protected].

See related: An Antioch restaurant owner was killed in a shooting Sunday night as he left his business

Unique, affordable housing for young people who no longer live in foster care

Journalism is at its best when we can shed light on an issue that needs more attention. Hannah McDonald does this beautifully once again, highlighting the needs of teenagers growing out of the foster care system. I learned something new from their reporting and am inspired by the work I AM NEXT is doing to make a difference. I think you will be too!

-Carrie Sharp