Jury Convicts Four in Tampa Shooting Death of Jacksonville Rapper

A Tampa jury has delivered guilty verdicts against all four defendants in the high-profile murder case of Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio, who was fatally shot outside a hotel near the University of South Florida on June 23, 2024. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, Rashad Murphy and Davion Murphy were each found guilty of first-degree murder late Friday, according to court records and FOX 13 Tampa Bay reporting. State prosecutors successfully argued the four men drove from Jacksonville to Tampa with a calculated plan to kill the rapper, presenting evidence of gang retaliation, stalking and drill rap music tensions that culminated in the deadly ambush. Jurors deliberated several hours before convicting the defendants. Julio Foolio was cornered in the hotel parking lot where multiple gunmen opened fire, killing him and injuring three others—Charles Jones, Gino Norris and Kami Bentley. Trial records indicate guilty verdicts were returned on multiple counts including conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder related to the injured victims. A fifth suspect, Alicia Andrews, was tried separately and found guilty of manslaughter instead of first-degree murder. She was acquitted of conspiracy to commit murder charges, according to court documents. The Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office prosecuted the case. Sentencing for the four convicted men has not yet been scheduled. Under Florida law, first-degree murder convictions carry potential life sentences or capital punishment eligibility.