On June 23, Florida rapper Julio Foolio, whose legal name was Charles Jones, was ambushed and killed in Tampa. The 26-year-old was in a car park of a hotel when his vehicle was targeted by gunfire. Surveillance footage captured the attackers dressed in black, wearing masks, and wielding two semi-automatic rifles and one pistol. Jones, who was celebrating his birthday weekend, tragically lost his life in this brutal attack.
Table of Contents
Arrests and Suspects
Following the incident, Tampa Police arrested three suspects: Isaiah Chance, 21, Alicia Andrews, 21, and Sean Gathright, 18. They have been charged with murder. Additionally, two other suspects, Davion Murphy, 27, and Rashad Murphy, 30, are still at large and also face murder charges.
Three other individuals were injured in the shooting but survived. The police used hotel CCTV footage, license plate readers, and phone logs to identify the suspects, who are believed to have traveled from Jacksonville to Tampa in two vehicles to commit the crime.
Gang Involvement
The police have linked the attackers to two different gangs, ATK and Twelve Hundred, who allegedly collaborated to execute the ambush. Julio Foolio, a member of the Six Block Gang, had been vocal about his gang affiliations on social media. Prior to his death, he posted on Instagram about his birthday celebrations and mentioned police interference.
Investigation Details
Chief Lee Bercaw of Tampa Police emphasized the extensive measures the attackers took to cover their tracks, which were ultimately foiled by the diligent work of the investigators. Surveillance footage showed the suspects following Jones throughout the night, leading up to the fatal encounter at the Homes 2 Suites hotel. This active investigation continues as authorities seek more information and the whereabouts of the remaining suspects.
The Rapper’s Legacy
Julio Foolio, known for his track “Voo Doo“, had nearly a million monthly listeners. In recent months, he had shared on social media about “multiple attempts” on his life, reflecting a tumultuous period marked by violent threats. His openness about his gang ties and the lifestyle that came with it was well-documented by local media.
The community mourns the loss of Julio Foolio as the investigation progresses. Police urge anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact the Tampa Police Department or submit tips through their anonymous Tip411 service. The tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the violence and risks associated with gang affiliations and the devastating impact on individuals and communities.
