Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio, better known as Charles Jones, has died. Tampa police confirmed he was shot over the weekend while celebrating his 26th birthday.
According to his lawyer, he was a target for an ambush.
The rapper originally celebrated his birthday with a pool party at an Airbnb, which was ultimately closed due to the large number of guests.
He later booked a room at the Holiday Inn, where he was shot in the parking lot. Officers released scene video showing a bullet-ridden car in the parking lot.
“Two cars were shot at and four people were injured. Charles Jones was found deceased at the scene,” said Jonee Lewis, PIO of the Tampa Police Department.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
Action News Jax records show Foolio has been shot twice in the last three years. He was known for controversial lyrics about murders and gangs in Jacksonville. This includes songs aimed at rival rapper Yungeen Ace.
A local anti-violence advocate said this shooting is a sign of a larger problem. AJ Jordan of MAD DADS said the organization will use this time to educate children about the dangers of gangs.
“Gangs involve drugs, prostitution, illegal money and more. Good things never come out of it. We don’t want any more people to lose their lives,” Jordan said.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
No arrests have been made at this time. This case is still under investigation.
click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to live stream Action News Jax.
