Grand jury to hear case for man accused in deadly shooting at Haywood Co. party

HAYWOOD COUNTY, Tenn. — Witnesses painted an emotional picture Friday morning in a Haywood County courtroom while the parents of Elia Hernandez held up a photo of their now deceased 17-year-old daughter.

“They started yelling and me trying to push them away, and that’s when I just started hearing gunshots,” witness Jacqueline Ruiz said.

Hernandez was reportedly at a party in rural Haywood County when investigators say gunfire erupted after a fight broke out.

Quin Love of Brownsville was arrested June 26 for his alleged involvement in the shooting. He appeared in court Friday morning.

Eight people testified in the preliminary hearing about the devastating scene which claimed Hernandez’ life.

Taylor Booth, who says she lives in the house where the party took place, was one of them.  She described the night as a nightmare.

Witnesses say Hernandez was in the bathroom when a bullet came through the wall and struck her.

The judge decided Love’s case will go to the grand jury.

“It’s more likely than not that these crimes were committed, and that you were the first to commit these crimes. But that’s not to say you were,” he said.

The grand jury will meet on Monday.

If indicted, Love will be arraigned Dec. 12 in circuit court.