The Columbus community is reeling after the heartbreaking loss of Hernandez Hubbard II, a 21-year-old man who was fatally shot early Tuesday morning in a drive-by shooting on Stoneway Drive, located in north Columbus off Warm Springs Road.
According to police and family accounts, gunfire erupted around 5:50 a.m. as the Hubbard family slept in their home. The victim’s father, Hernandez Hubbard, said his son was asleep in his room when multiple rounds—between 25 and 30—were fired into the house. One of the bullets struck Hernandez II in the head.
“My son was asleep,” his father recounted. “Some individuals came by and began shooting… and struck my son in the head once.”
Emergency responders transported Hernandez II to Piedmont Columbus Regional, and he was later transferred to a hospital in Atlanta. Despite efforts to save his life, he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
The loss has left the Hubbard family devastated. “If individuals can commit such acts and evade capture, then no one is secure in this city,” his father stated, voicing his growing concern about community safety.
Hernandez Hubbard II had recently become a father and was looking forward to raising his son. “He was eagerly anticipating being a father and being present in his son’s life, and to have that taken away is simply heartbreaking,” his father said.
He also shared that Hernandez worked full-time to support his child and pursued music in his spare time. While his rap lyrics may have touched on provocative topics, his father firmly believes that nothing—no song or words—could ever justify the taking of his life.
“I believe that may have contributed to this situation due to the nature of the lyrics he was rapping about,” he admitted. “But I want them to understand they are cowards. I want to know who raised them—because to stand there and fire that many shots at someone’s home means no one is safe.”
Residents nearby echoed their disbelief. “I was genuinely shocked when the police knocked on my door at 7 a.m. asking if I’d heard gunfire at 5:45. I wasn’t even awake,” said one neighbor.
Columbus police detectives are actively investigating the incident and asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible. Anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities.
As the Hubbard family mourns the loss of a beloved son, father, and aspiring artist, the community joins them in seeking justice and healing in the face of senseless violence.
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