Three suspects arrested in connection with rapper Julio Foolio’s murder, two more suspects still at large.
Three people have been arrested for the murder of Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio, aka Charles Jones. June saw a shooting at a cluster of hotels near the University of South Florida that murdered the 26-year-old. The Tampa Police Department and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests and investigative updates.
On Monday, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez, and Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters discussed the case at a press conference.
“A little more than a month ago, a group of individuals with the goal of premeditated murder traveled from Jacksonville to Tampa to commit a heinous crime in our city,” Chief Lee Bercaw stated, summarizing the gravity of the situation.
Three Jacksonville suspects were apprehended over the weekend. They are 21-year-old Isaiah Chance, Alicia Andrews, and 18-year-old Sean Gathright. All three are charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit it.
Chief Bercaw claims the suspects are associated with Jones rival gangs ATK and 1200. Julio Foolio was a 6 Block Gang member. These gangs have been fighting for almost a decade, resulting in many murders. “The shooters are affiliated with Jones’ rival gangs ATK and 1200. Jones was a 6 Block Ganger. Bercaw said detectives suspect the ATK and 1200 targeted Jones as part of a Jacksonville feud.
Jones celebrated his birthday in Tampa the night of the murder and posted on Instagram. His posts said he was thrown out of an Airbnb and shifted his party. “Lit everywhere we go,” he posted on Instagram.
Police responded to a 911 report of a shooting at 11606 McKinley Drive at 4:40 a.m. on June 23. Two automobiles in the parking lot had been shot at, and Jones and three others were hit. Unfortunately, Jones died.
The investigation relied on surveillance footage. The suspects were filmed following Jones before the incident. Video captured the suspects arriving at the murder scene, Home 2 Suites. “Three shooters exit a vehicle and walk toward the hotel at 4:38. Two firearms and a handgun kill Jones. The gunfire also hit three other victims, who amazingly survived, added Bercaw.
The shooters were Rashad Murphy, Sean Gathright, and Davion Murphy. Gathright was arrested, but Davion and Rashad Murphy are still missing. The Tampa Police Department and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office need public assistance finding the two fugitives.
State Attorney Suzy Lopez stressed the allegations’ gravity. This ends the feud. “All five defendants face life in Florida State Prison,” she said. Even those who didn’t shoot in Florida. You can be held responsible for a murder if you plot it.
Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters said, “Three dangerous criminals are off our Florida streets and in police custody where they belong. These people choose urban terrorism.”
Police continue to look for the remaining suspects. Law enforcement wants anyone with information about Rashad and Davion Murphy to come forward.
The death of Julio Foolio highlights gang violence and its widespread impact on communities. Authorities want to bring all offenders to justice and end the vicious feud while the investigation continues.
