TAMPA, Fla. (Court TV) — Four men are standing trial on charges they murdered a rising rap star as part of an ongoing gang war.

From left: Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, Rashad Murphy and Davion Murphy. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)

Isaiah Chance, 23, Sean Gathright, 20, Rashad Murphy, 32, and Davion Murphy, 29, have pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the shooting death of Charles Jones, who was known as “Julio Foolio.”

Jones was shot to death in what police called a “targeted gang-related killing” on June 23. Investigators say Chance, Gathright, Davion Murphy and Rashad Murphy traveled together from their homes in Jacksonville, Florida, and followed the victim southwest to Tampa, where he planned to celebrate his 26th birthday. Also along for the journey was Alicia Andrews, 23, Chance’s girlfriend, who was previously found guilty for her role in the shooting.

Prosecutors say the motive for the shooting stemmed from a yearslong gang war in Jacksonville. Jones was a documented member of the gang “6 Block,” which was in an open rivalry with both Ace’s Top Killers (ATK) and 1200. The four co-defendants are all members of either ATK or 1200; Andrews was not a member of any gang.

A masked gunman is seen in surveillance video (Tampa Police Dept)

Surveillance video at a Homes 2 Suites in Tampa shows the gunmen getting out of vehicles and beginning to shoot at cars associated with the victim. Jones was killed and three other people were injured; Tampa detectives said the gunmen were Gathright, Rashad Murphy and Davion Murphy. Prosecutors said that Chance and Andrews served as scouts for locations as they searched for the victim.

Judge Michelle Sisco will preside over the trial; she had previously presided over Andrews’ criminal trial. She will not, however, preside over Andrews’ sentencing, after Florida’s Second District Court of Appeals removed her following a defense motion claiming she was biased against them. Prosecutors have filed a motion appealing that decision.

The defendants face potential death sentences if they’re convicted.

DAILY TRIAL HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 2 – 4/23/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 2 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial

DAY 1 – 4/22/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 1 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• The prosecution delivered opening statements.
  • Laid out their theory that 26-year-old Charles Jones, aka “Julio Foolio,” was the target of a planned and coordinated ambush while he was celebrating his birthday in Tampa.
  • Multiple defendants tracked and followed Jones, firing dozens of rounds into his car while he was trapped inside.
  • Murder was the result of an ongoing gang rivalry in Jacksonville, fueled by retaliation, social media taunts and “drill rap” videos that mocked rival gang members who had been killed.
  • Previewed key evidence for the jury, including surveillance footage, phone data and videos which they said will show the suspects stalking the victim, coordinating their movements and carrying out the crime in a calculated team attack.
  • The gunmen continued firing as the victim’s car tried to escape, with one defendant allegedly unloading a rifle as the vehicle sped away. The vehicle was later found riddled with bullet holes.
  • Social media posts showed Jones publicly sharing his location and birthday plans.
  • After the shooting, the suspects fled, returned to a rented Airbnb and then split up.
  • WATCH: Julio Foolio Was Stalked and Hunted Before Murder: State
• Isaiah Chance’s defense attorney delivered an opening statement.
  • The prosecution can’t prove that he was involved in the murder.
  • The state must prove an intent to kill, knowledge of the plan and some action taken to help, but there is no solid evidence for any of them.
  • This case relies on assumptions rather than clear evidence.
  • Blamed Rashad Murphy for the murder.
  • WATCH: Opening Statements Turn Into Blame Game in Julio Foolio Murder Case
• Officer Brian Godcharles, Tampa Police Department
  • Responded to a shots-fired call at the Home 2 Suites and Holiday Inn complex, where he assisted in locating and securing a large crime scene.
  • Observed a black Dodge Charger with gunshot damage and later identified a nearby Hyundai Sonata connected to witnesses.
  • Located pistol shell casings near a portico, observed vehicle debris consistent with a possible minor collision and confirmed bullet damage to hotel windows, which indicated shots were fired toward both vehicles and the building.
  • WATCH: Grisly Discovery: Officer Details Finding Julio Foolio Dead at Scene of Fatal Shooting
• Officer Zachary Conaway, Tampa Police Department
  • Responded to the Home 2 Suites/Holiday Inn complex after reports of gunfire and suspicious vehicles.
  • Officers were briefed beforehand about potential threats involving visiting rapper Julio Foolio and possible rival groups.
  • Officers located two additional victims who suffered multiple gunshot wounds and required immediate medical attention.
  • Victims were initially uncooperative or limited in identifying suspects at the scene.
  • WATCH: Officer Shows Shocking Images From Deadly Hotel Scene Tied to Julio Foolio
• Det. David Alverson, Tampa Police Department
  • Coordinated duties with other detectives.
  • Reviewed surveillance footage showing suspects fleeing a vehicle and entering the hotel.
  • Followed a blood trail from the car through the lobby up to the third floor, where additional victims were found.
  • Detailed extensive physical evidence at the scene, including 9mm shell casings, bullet damage and a fluid trail from a damaged vehicle to the hotel entrance.