Tampa, Florida, authorities guaranteed there will be arrests coming soon over the murder of Jacksonville, Florida, recording artist Julio Foolio during a press conference on Monday (June 24).
Foolio, real name Charles Jones II, was shot and killed on Sunday (June 23) in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn in Tampa. Lewis Fusco, the rapper’s lawyer, confirmed the death on Sunday. On his 26th birthday, “When I See You (Remix)” creator was killed.
“We’re working closely with Jacksonville sheriff’s office,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw told the press. “We’re (Tampa PD) working closely with our statewide Prosecutor. Our federal partners, the ATF and the FBI, and our local Prosecutor, Susie Lopez. And I can guarantee you that we’re going to be following up and making arrests in that case.”
A reporter asked Chief Bercaw about the depth of the investigation including social media searches and more. Chief Bercaw replied: “Absolutely, we’re looking at the social media. We’re working with our Jacksonville partners. Getting intelligence on that. Definitely the top of our priority.”
Before his death, Foolio has been in a well-documented feud with fellow Jacksonville recording artist Yungeen Ace. Ace released a music video for the new song, “Do It,” allegedly dissing his late-rival on Sunday. No word at this time if Yungeen Ace is a suspect.
Another reporter asked if the shooting was gang-related. “Again, that’s part of our investigation, but indications are that there is some type of relationship there … So the one’s involved that night, we didn’t have any ties in Tampa, but again, that is a part of our investigation.”
Jacksonville Sheriff T. K. Waters briefed the press on the “gang clash” currently happening in the city and referenced that Foolio was an alleged gang member in the area. While Sheriff Waters identified Foolio’s shooting death as retaliation, he shared that retribution will not be tolerated.
“These groups, I won’t name them,” Waters said. “They know who they are. We’re not going to tolerate any retribution, any revenge.”
More as the story develops.