Three Central Florida defendants in the Julio Foolio murder case – the shooting death of rapper Charles Jones – will be held without bond until trial.
The State Attorney’s Office successfully argued that Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, and Alicia Andrews remain a danger to the community after they, along with two other defendants, plotted to murder the popular rapper, also known by his stage name “Julio Foolio.” The judge ruled in favor of the State Attorney.
Assistant State Attorney Michelle Doherty argued that Chance, Andrews, and Gathright should not be granted bond due to their disregard for the safety of the community and risk of physical harm to additional victims.
The defendants tracked the victim and his friends to multiple locations before ambushing and killing him at a hotel near the University of South Florida in June. Three other victims were also injured in the shootings.
Chief Judge Christopher Sabella heard testimony from the lead detective in the case about a mountain of evidence connecting the three to the murder, including surveillance video of the shooting as well as text messages and location data that illustrate a concerted effort to track Jones to an event in Tampa to commit the crime.
“Each of the three defendants played a role in the ambush and brutal murder of Charles Jones,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “The evidence of this coordinated attack is overwhelming, and our community is safer when they are behind bars. Our prosecutors will continue to build a strong case on the road to a trial that will allow us to bring justice to the victims and their families.”
Two additional defendants, Davion Murphy, and Rashad Murphy are also facing murder charges in connection with the crime. Rashad Murphy has been arrested in Jacksonville and is awaiting transfer to Hillsborough County. Davion Murphy is still at large.
Anyone with information that could assist in the ongoing Julio Foolio murder investigation can call the Tampa Police Department at 813-231-6130 or Crimestoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-TIPS.
