Tragedy struck early Sunday morning when rapper Julio Foolio, born Charles Andrew Jones II, was shot and killed in Tampa, Florida.
The 26-year-old artist was involved in a deadly altercation following his birthday celebration, sparking an ongoing police investigation.
According to Breitbart News, the incident occurred at approximately 4:40 a.m. at a Holiday Inn on McKinley Drive. Tampa Police Department responded to the scene, where they found two vehicles shot at in the parking lot.
During the incident, one individual was pronounced dead at the scene, later believed to be Julio Foolio, whose real name is Charles Andrew Jones II. Additionally, three other victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The confrontation occurred a few days after the artist celebrated his birthday on June 21. His festivities were initially held at an Airbnb location but moved to the Holiday Inn due to a violation of occupancy limits.
Julio Foolio had previously survived a shooting attack in November 2021. He had been known to have conflicts with local gangs, which raises questions about the motive behind this incident. The Tampa Police have yet to confirm the details but suspect an ambush might have been the cause.
The Tampa Police Department has confirmed that the investigation is still very much active. They emphasized that the identification of the victim as Charles Jones is pending, awaiting confirmation from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
On his birthday, Foolio shared a reflective post saying, “God thank you for allowing us to see another here and to celebrate another birthday.”
In an eerie reminder of his previously dangerous lifestyle, Julio Foolio once commented on an imminent threat during the November 2021 shooting, indicating that the attackers "miss a whole 100 shots literally." Law enforcement officers are actively seeking tips from the public to help track down the causes and culprits behind this tragic event.
Attorney Lewis Fusco, representing Julio Foolio, provided a statement detailing the circumstances leading up to the rapper's death. This insight into the events sheds more light on the possible reasons behind the shooting.
Mr. Jones had been in Tampa to celebrate his birthday over the weekend. Law enforcement reports indicate that he initially stayed at an Airbnb but was asked to leave due to exceeding occupancy limits. He subsequently relocated to the Holiday Inn, where he was involved in an incident in the hotel parking lot and reportedly ambushed.
Lewis Fusco further asked for privacy for the family during this tough period. "While these events involving our client, Mr. Charles Jones, have been disclosed by law enforcement, we are unable to provide further comments at this time until additional details become public record. We kindly request that the privacy of Mr. Jones and his family be respected during this difficult time."
This ongoing story will continue to develop as the Tampa Police gather more information and search for those responsible. The music community remains shaken as they mourn the loss of yet another young artist to senseless violence.
