Justice Delayed in Julio Foolio Murder: Appeals, Gang Ties, and Pending Trials Grip Florida

By Grok News Staff Tampa, Florida – February 6, 2026

The tragic ambush killing of Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio, whose real name was Charles Andrew Jones II, continues to unfold in Florida’s courts nearly two years after his death, with recent appeals adding fresh twists to a case rooted in deadly gang rivalries. Foolio, known for his raw lyrics and social media bravado, was gunned down in the early hours of June 23, 2024, in a Tampa Holiday Inn parking lot—just hours after celebrating his 26th birthday. What began as a festive pool party at an Airbnb escalated into a fatal confrontation, leaving the hip-hop community reeling and law enforcement piecing together a conspiracy involving five suspects from rival factions.

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Rapper Foolio killed in Tampa shooting

According to authorities, Foolio had advertised his birthday bash on social media, drawing a crowd that prompted police to shut down the Airbnb event due to overcrowding. He and his entourage then relocated to the Holiday Inn on Fowler Avenue, unaware they were being stalked by a group from Jacksonville. Surveillance footage later released by Tampa Police captured the chilling moment: three masked assailants approaching Foolio’s vehicle and unleashing a barrage of gunfire. Foolio was pronounced dead at the scene, suffering multiple gunshot wounds, while three others in the car were injured but survived. The attack was swift and targeted, with investigators linking it to longstanding beefs between Foolio’s 6 Block gang and rivals from ATK (Ace’s Top Killers) and 1200 groups.

In a joint operation between the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and Tampa Police Department, arrests came swiftly. By July 29, 2024, three suspects were in custody: Isaiah Chance Jr., 21; Alicia Andrews, 21; and Sean Gathright, 18. They were charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Bodycam footage from the arrests, showing SWAT teams raiding homes in pouring rain, went viral, highlighting the intensity of the manhunt.

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Video Emerges of Foolio’s Murder Suspects Being Arrested

Two more suspects, cousins Rashad Murphy, 30, and Davion Murphy, 27, were apprehended later—Rashad in August 2024 after a standoff, and Davion in January 2025 with U.S. Marshals’ assistance. All five allegedly traveled from Jacksonville to Tampa, tracking Foolio’s movements via social media posts. Prosecutors allege Andrews, who was dating one of the suspects, played a key role in luring Foolio by communicating with him online, setting up the ambush.

The case has exposed deep-seated gang violence in Jacksonville, where Foolio’s music often referenced real-life feuds, including diss tracks aimed at rivals like Yungeen Ace from ATK. Testimony in court revealed how social media fueled the rivalry, with posts taunting deaths and celebrating hits. Foolio himself had survived previous attempts on his life, including a 2023 shooting that left him with a foot injury. His mother, Sandrikas Mays, spoke out after Davion’s arrest, expressing relief but ongoing grief: “It’s a step towards justice, but nothing brings my son back.” She has been vocal on social media, sharing memories and calling for an end to the cycle of violence.

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Rapper Julio Foolio killed in early morning Tampa hotel shooting

Trials began in late 2025, with Andrews facing the jury first in October. After a dramatic eight-day proceeding broadcast on Court TV, she was convicted of manslaughter—a lesser charge than premeditated murder—but acquitted of conspiracy. Jurors deliberated late into the night, and Andrews showed no emotion as the verdict was read. Facing up to 15 years, her sentencing was initially set for December 8, 2025, but delayed amid appeals. In a bombshell ruling on January 28, 2026, Florida’s 2nd District Court of Appeal removed Judge Michelle Sisco from the case, citing potential bias based on her courtroom conduct. Andrews’ defense argued Sisco’s decisions hindered a fair trial, including rulings on evidence and witness handling. A new judge will oversee sentencing, and retrial motions are possible, keeping Andrews in custody indefinitely.

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Suspect wanted for murder of Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio …

For the remaining suspects, the stakes are higher. Prosecutors announced in October 2025 their intent to seek the death penalty for Davion Murphy, identified as one of the shooters. Hours-long testimony in preliminary hearings detailed gang affiliations, with witnesses describing ATK and 1200’s involvement in multiple homicides. Gathright, Chance, and Rashad Murphy are slated for trial in April 2026, potentially together, as evidence includes cell phone data, hotel surveillance, and ballistic matches from the scene.

As of February 2026, the case remains a focal point for discussions on gang culture in rap. Foolio’s music, with tracks like “When I See You” dissing deceased rivals, has been scrutinized, though experts note it’s not direct evidence of motive. Community leaders in Jacksonville have called for peace initiatives, while fans mourn online, sharing tributes and conspiracy theories. Mays has turned her pain into advocacy, founding a foundation in Foolio’s name to combat youth violence.

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5 arrested in gang hit on Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio in Tampa

The investigation, praised for its cross-agency collaboration, underscores the dangers of social media in escalating real-world conflicts. With appeals ongoing and trials looming, full closure seems distant. “This isn’t just about one rapper—it’s a symptom of deeper issues,” said a JSO spokesperson. As Florida grapples with this high-profile saga, the quest for justice persists, one court date at a time.