Friends remember 17-year-old girl killed by stray bullet

HAYWOOD COUNTY, Tenn. — Friends and family speak out after a deadly weekend shooting in Haywood County ends with one dead and three injured.

Investigators said 17-year-old Elia Hernandez was killed by a stray bullet at a house party early Sunday morning after a fight broke out.

Friends of Elia Hernandez said she had just graduated from Crockett County High School and planned to attend Jackson State Community College for nursing. Those close to her said they remember her constant smile.

“She was saving up money, working three jobs, trying to save for college,” Christian Hubble said. He and Elia dated for a few months during high school but remained good friends after their relationship ended.

“Elia always gave everyone a sense of hope,” Hubble said. “She was always just — how strong she was no matter what the situation was, always had a smile on her face, always able to make anyone else smile.”

According to the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, Elia was struck by a stray bullet at a house party early Sunday morning during a fight.

Hubble said he had just left the party when he heard she had been shot.

“It was hard to hear. It was unreal. And then I drove to the hospital and right when I got there, her dad called me and told me she didn’t make it,” Hubble said.

Deputies arrested Quin Love Sunday afternoon. Investigators said Love shot three other people during the fight.

His mother was at the arraignment Monday morning, saying her son isn’t the only one responsible.

“Everyone that is a witness should not be afraid because this is a person’s life on the line,” Latoya love said. “And one person has lost their life, so everybody need to come forth. Everybody needs to come forward and do the right thing.”

Hubble said he wants everyone to remember how happy Elia was and how much she loved life.

“She always had a smile on her face no matter what the situation was, no matter how hard it was, no matter what life threw at her the next day,” Hubble said. “If it was sad or what, she always had a smile on her face.”

Friends will hold a balloon release for Elia starting at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Crockett County High School.

Love has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and reckless endangerment. He is currently being held in the Haywood County Jail without bond.