Rapper Julio Foolio murdered (Image: Instagram)
Rising Florida rapper Julio Foolio, known for tracks like “Crooks” and “Reach The Top,” was killed in a shooting outside a Tampa hotel early Sunday morning. The artist, whose real name was Charles Jones, was 26.
The incident occurred during a weekend of birthday celebrations Jones promoted on social media. Three others were wounded in the attack, according to local authorities.
Tampa police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 4:40 a.m. Sunday in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn located at 11606 McKinley Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered two vehicles that bullets had struck.
Lewis Fusco, Jones’ representative from the Jacksonville-based Fusco Law Group, provided additional details in a statement released Monday. According to Fusco, Jones initially stayed at an Airbnb rental but was asked to leave after his party exceeded the property’s occupancy limits. The rapper then relocated to the Holiday Inn, where the shooting took place.
As of Monday morning, law enforcement had not announced any arrests or potential motives for the attack. The Tampa Police Department stated that the investigation is ongoing and is working to identify those involved.
The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner Department declined to release further information, citing the active nature of the criminal investigation.
Jones, who performed under the stage name Julio Foolio, had been gaining traction in the Florida rap scene. His music often drew from his experiences growing up in Jacksonville, with tracks that addressed themes of street life and aspiration.
The fatal shooting adds to a concerning trend of violence affecting young hip-hop artists in recent years. Industry observers and community leaders have increasingly called for measures to address the underlying issues contributing to these incidents.
As news of Jones’ death spread, fans and fellow artists took to social media to express their shock and offer condolences. Many highlighted the potential cut short by his untimely passing.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
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