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Buncombe County man sentenced to 38-58 months after drive-by shooting

Buncombe County man sentenced to 38-58 months after drive-by shooting

Photo: Saga Communications/828newsNOW


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — William Lopez-Hernandez has been sentenced to 38-58 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction for his role in a targeted drive-by shooting at a classmate’s residence.

Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams announced the sentencing in a press release on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Lopez-Hernandex plead guilty to discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling.

Lopez-Hernandez was arrested following an incident where he fired multiple rounds into a vehicle and home occupied by six family members. Law enforcement connected evidence at the scene to Lopez-Hernandez, who later confessed to Asheville Police Department officers and was charged with discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling and possession of a stolen firearm. The latter charge was dropped under the terms of his plea agreement.

The victims were present in court for the entry of plea and approved the sentence.

“Violent acts that terrorize families in their own homes will be met with justice as prescribed by law,” said Williams. “This active prison sentence reflects our prosecutors’ commitment to holding individuals accountable for gun violence and ensuring public safety.”

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