Alicia Andrews will be the first of five defendants to face a jury in the killing of Jacksonville rapper Charles Jones, known professionally as Julio Foolio. The 26-year-old artist was gunned down in Tampa during his birthday celebration in what prosecutors say was a carefully orchestrated ambush tied to a long-running gang feud.
Andrews, accused of trailing Foolio and tipping off his location to the alleged gunmen, is set to go on trial Monday, August 18, in Hillsborough County. Prosecutors allege she played a central role in the fatal shooting that took place outside a Holiday Inn near the University of South Florida in the early hours of June 23, 2024. Surveillance footage reportedly shows three masked shooters opening fire on Foolio’s vehicle, killing him and injuring three others. Investigators believe the suspects tracked Foolio across Tampa after he posted his location on social media.
Andrews faces a first-degree premeditated murder charge alongside her boyfriend, Isaiah Chance Jr., and three other men — Sean Gathright, Rashad Murphy, and Davion Murphy. The state is pursuing the death penalty for some of the accused. Prosecutors say the killing was part of the violent rivalry between Foolio’s KTA crew and fellow Jacksonville rapper Yungeen Ace’s ATK group, a conflict that has claimed multiple lives over the years.
Andrews’ legal team attempted to introduce claims of domestic abuse to explain her mental state during the incident, but Judge Michelle Sisco ruled such evidence inadmissible, citing Florida law, which does not allow duress as a defense in premeditated murder cases. Jury selection will begin Monday, with opening statements expected Tuesday and witness testimony to follow throughout the week.
Source: YouTube
