Rapper Julio Foolio, whose real name was Charles Jones, has died at the age of 26. The musician’s death was confirmed by his attorney, Lewis Fusco, in Tampa on Sunday, June 23.
WTSP-TV reported that Tampa police responded to a shooting at the Holiday Inn Tampa North around 4:40 AM on Sunday.
Tampa Police spokesperson Jonee Lewis stated at a news conference later that day that two vehicles were shot at, resulting in “four people getting hit by gunfire.”
According to News4JAX, Jones was reportedly “celebrating his 26th birthday, which was Friday, and staying at an Airbnb,” as mentioned by Fusco.
On Sunday, Jones shared a post via his Instagram Story stating, “Pol!ce shut us down and kicked us out air bnb that’s crazy work.”
In another Story, he wrote, “Best birthday everrrr … appreciate everybody who pulled up we turnt up til we couldnt nomo we otw to the show now yall pull-up.”
Fusco explained that “too many people were in the Airbnb where they were celebrating and that they had to leave.” He added that Jones “got a hotel room at a Holiday Inn hotel, where he was basically ambushed in the parking lot.”
Jones was seen in a third Instagram Story, posted two hours after the earlier posts. In the video, the rapper filmed himself with friends, all holding red cups.
Tampa police reported that three other individuals were injured in the shooting and are currently in “stable” condition at the hospital.
Fusco issued a statement regarding Jones’ death, which read, “While these events involving our client, Mr. Charles Jones, have been disclosed by law enforcement, we are unable to provide further comments at this time until additional details become public record.
We kindly request that the privacy of Mr. Jones and his family be respected during this difficult time.”
News4JAX noted that Jones had been shot twice in Jacksonville over the past three years.
Jones had amassed 1 million followers on Instagram and identified himself as an “independent artist.” His latest album, *Resurrection*, featuring 14 tracks, was released on Apple Music on April 5.
Fans expressed their sorrow on his social media, with one user commenting, “It’s so crazy how you view people’s stories they posted within the past 24 hours and then realize you will never see them post again… rip.”
