TAMPA, Fla. – Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio was shot and killed in Tampa early Sunday, his attorney Lewis Fusco confirmed with News4JAX.
Charles Jones, who went by the rap name of “Julio Foolio,” was celebrating his 26th birthday, which was Friday, and staying at an Airbnb, according to Fusco.
Fusco said that too many people were in the Airbnb where they were celebrating and that they had to leave. In an Instagram story, the rapper said police shut the pool party down and “kicked” them out of the Airbnb. Numerous posts on his social media advertised the location of the event.
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Fusco said the rapper got a hotel room at a Holiday Inn hotel, where he was “basically ambushed” in the parking lot.
“The victim in this morning’s shooting is believed to be Charles Jones,” Tampa Police Public Information Officer Jonee’ Lewis wrote in a press release. “Positive identification is pending confirmation from the Medical Examiner’s Office.”
No arrests have been made.
According to Tampa Police, three other people were injured and were being treated at the hospital. Their condition was listed as stable.
Dozens of people have turned to social media to talk about the rapper’s death, including a woman who claimed to be his girlfriend.
Jones was known for his popular drill rap videos with controversial lyrics about murders involving rival gangs in Jacksonville.
In the last three years, Jones has been shot twice in Jacksonville.
Fusco sent an official statement regarding Jones’ death, which reads in part:
“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.”
Attorney Lewis Fusco
News4JAX reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to ask about potential concerns regarding gun violence in the city following Jones’ death, and sent the following statement:
“Our dedicated officers and detectives do not cease to ensure and provide safety and security for our city which will always be of paramount importance as we aim to deter any potential issues that may arise in the foreseeable future. Any investigations of a deceased person of interest, subject, and/or suspect, if active will continue to be thoroughly examined until all efforts have been exhausted.”
JSO Public Information Officer A. Kelly
Anyone with information related to this shooting incident is asked to contact Tampa PD by calling 813-231-6130 or share a tip via Tip411, which is accessible through the TampaPD app.