The community cares for the family of the murdered Antioch business owner

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

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

“Just a hard-working man,” Hanna Kim said. “Law-abiding, innocent bystander.”

Kim is secretary of the Korean American Association of Greater Nashville. Since hearing the news from Joo’s wife, they have hugged the family as best they can.

“(She) was just waiting for the husband and trying to find out his whereabouts with their two young children at home, not knowing why he wasn’t returning home,” Kim said. “So basically she had no idea about it until the next morning.”

In addition to starting a GoFundMe, Kim and others have also created a network of local Korean restaurants to provide food for the family.

“That’s why there should be a nonprofit like this,” Kim said.

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

“We also believe they are old enough to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions,” Kim said, noting how young the suspects are.

Those who knew Joo said that if you didn’t find him at work, you would find him at home, caring for his wife and children he now leaves behind.

“(The) kids look out the window every time the car pulls up, hoping it’s daddy coming home from work,” Kim said.

Kim says they are asking the community for their thoughts and prayers as the family navigates this difficult time.

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

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