TAMPA, Fla. (Court TV) — Four men will be sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in prison after a jury found that 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, were each found guilty of charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the shooting death of Charles Jones, who was known as “Julio Foolio.”

Prosecutors had sought the death penalty in the case; while the jury found the aggravating factors existed in the case, they still chose to spare the lives of each of the defendants. The judge will formally impose their sentences at a hearing in June.

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 said 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 is presiding 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.

DAILY TRIAL HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 16 – 5/15/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 16 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• The defense attorneys delivered closing arguments.
• The jury returned its verdict.

DAY 15 – 5/14/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 15 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• Tonia Werner, chief medical officer, Meridian Health Care
  • Davion Murphy loved his family, very family and God oriented.
  • No history of physical or sexual abuse.
  • Diagnosed with adjustment disorder; takes antidepressant and antianxiety medications.
  • Was assessed for antisocial personality disorder.
• Dr. Marc Glickstein, diagnostic radiologist
  • Normal brain anatomy shown on MRI versus the brain imaging done of the defendant.
• Prosecutors delivered their closing argument.
  • This was a premeditated, coordinated attack and a concerted effort with one common goal: murder.
  • The group packed as if they were going on vacation.
  • All four defendants had the same motive.

DAY 14 – 5/13/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 14 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• Dr. Hyman Eisenstein returned to the stand.
  • He met with Davion Murphy seven times and interviewed him seven months after the murder.
• Michael Collins, licensed psychologist
  • Met Davion Murphy on two occasions and spent approximately four hours with him.
• Dr. Mark Patrick Rubino, neurologist
  • Evaluated Davion Murphy due to previous head trauma.
  • Testifeid to scans of the defendant’s brain.
• Charmaine Steiger, Rashad Murphy’s fiancée
  • They share four children; she said Rashad Murphy is a super father.
  • The couple met at a football game.
  • Rashad Murphy’s family’s graves were vandalized.
  • The couple became legal guardians of Rashad Murphy’s siblings after their mother died.

DAY 13 – 5/12/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 13 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• Bryan Herringon, Sean Gathright’s former stepfather
  • Married to Gathright’s mother for 11 years.
  • Gathright was smart, inquisitive and vibrant. He loved football, basketball and traveling.
  • They have not spoken over the last few years.
• Lisa Gathright, Sean Gathright’s grandmother
  • Mother of Sean Gathright’s father. Described her granson as a great kid who was well-liked.
  • Spent holidays together and traveled together.
  • Did well in school.
• Damalie Lyle, Sean Gathright’s mother
  • Her son is a hard-working, intelligent young man.
  • Her husband (Gathright’s father) had a volatile temper.
• Neviah Gathright, Sean Gathright’s sister
  • Two years older than her brother, always raised with him despite constantly moving.
  • Gathright cried as his sister began to cry while detailing how much he helped her with her baby.
• Sean Gathright, defendant
  • Told the jury he wanted to “be a man” and take responsibility.
  • Expressed remorse to the victim’s family.
  • Said he was taking part in programs while incarcerated.
  • MORE: One of Julio Foolio’s killers tells jury, ‘I’m just here to be a man’
• Dr. Nahshon Nicks, has a child with Isaiah Chance’s mother
  • Worked with at-risk youth and provided support for Chance.
  • Chance’s father told him to “step back” on disciplining him.
• Elizabeth Jordan, Isaiah Chance’s grandmother
  • Described Chance as quiet and well-behaved.
  • Chance didn’t speak until he was 4 or 5 years old.
  • Chance was respectful and was brought to church by his mother.
• Isaiah Chance Sr., defendant’s father
  • Present in the defendant’s life growing up and had a good relationship with his son.
  • Described his son as quiet, protective towards his family, kind and generous.
  • Believes his son’s life still has value and that he can be “saved.”
• Nianda Wade, had a relationship with Chance’s father
  • Talked with Chance about his desire to become a Merchant Marine.
  • Wanted to do something with purpose and to travel; he wanted a career to help support his family.
  • Plans to keep in contact with Chance while he’s incarcerated.
• Dr. Tracy Lyn Hartig, psychologist
  • Evaluated Chance for psychological or cognitive factors.
  • Her initial impression was that he was friendly, pleasant and engaged. He showed no signs of depression or anxiety and was not hostile. He was upbeat and happy.
  • His reading is at a fifth-grade level, and his math is at a third-grade level. His overall IQ score is 71, below the average of 90-109.
  • He’s naive in a social sense; his ADHD has created issues for him since he was young.
  • Chance seeks approval to try to fit in; he wants others to see him as smart and capable.
• Meshall Smith, Isaiah Chance’s godmother
  • Described Chance as quiet, staying to himself and loving.
  • Never noticed any behavioral problems. He was protective of his sisters and his mother.
  • Chance was an aspiring rapper. She never saw him as involved with gang activity or having weapons.
• Victoria Gray, Isaiah Chance’s mother
  • Described her son as caring and reserved; she said he was helpful around the house.
  • Sought help for Chance with his speech issues.
  • Plans to stay connected with her son while he’s in prison.
• Dr. Hyman Eisenstein, clinical psychologist
  • Davion Murphy has learning disabilities.
  • Behavioral problems led him to be kicked out of the home to live with his grandmother.
  • He attended 14 different schools.
  • Davion Murphy was in the lower 3% of his peers in terms of academic intellectual score.

DAY 12 – 5/11/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 12 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial

DAY 11 – 5/8/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 11 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• The jury began its deliberations.
• The jury deliberated for more than seven hours before returning its verdict.

DAY 10 – 5/7/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 10 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• The prosecution delivered closing arguments.
  • The defendants came to Tampa to hunt, track and kill Charles Jones. That was the suspects’ only plan.
  • The men were heavily armed and masked.
  • The surviving victims were still targeted.
  • WATCH: Julio Foolio Was Hunted Down and Executed by Suspects: State
• The defense attorneys delivered closing arguments.
  • Rashad Murphy’s attorney said that his client could not be placed in Tampa when the victim was killed. His phone does not track in Tampa anytime around the murder.
    • WATCH: Attorney Claims Julio Foolio Suspect Was Never Even in Tampa During Murder
  • Sean Gathright’s attorney said his client had no part in this incident. He was barely 18 and found himself caught up in the whirlwind.
    • WATCH: Defense Says Julio Foolio Suspect Never Helped Kill Rapper
  • Isaiah Chance’s attorney asked the jury to think about whether Chance knew about the incident, the Airbnb or what was in the bag. He said Chance is not connected to any gangs and that none of the weapons or clothes came back to him.
  • Davion Murphy’s attorney said that no text messages, DNA or evidence suggested that he planned the murder.

DAY 9 – 5/6/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 9 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• Amara Drew, Florida Department of Law Enforcement
  • Testified to the ammunition and firearms used in the case and the processing of evidence related to them.
• Detective Craig Griffin
  • Testified to the traffic stop of defendant Sean Gathright.
  • Assigned to monitor gangs CTC and then 1200.
  • Testified to connections between Rashad Murphy and Davion Murphy; showed the jury Davion Murphy’s tattoos.
• The state rested its case-in-chief.
• Dr. George Lee, adjunct professor
  • Studies gang members, specifically Black and Latino; testified to different types of gangs.
  • ATK, 6 Block and 1200 are hybrid gangs.
  • Testified that the three groups did not have a gang war.

DAY 8 – 5/5/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 8 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• Det. Juan Ramos was recalled to the stand.
  • Reviewed Instagram posts and text messages between the defendants as well as from Charles Jones.
  • Messages showed Alicia Andrews booking an Airbnb on Friday, June 21.
• Detective Richard Meader, gang unit
  • Assigned to monitor the ATK gang.
  • Testified to Isaiah Chance’s connections to the ATK gang.
  • WATCH: Detective Unveils Julio Foolio Suspect’s Ties to ATK Gang
• Detective Trey McCullough, gang unit
  • Assigned to cover 6 Block.
  • Responded to gang war between ATK/1200 and 6 Block.
  • Testified to different types of gangs.
  • Charles Jones was a well-known gang member.

DAY 7 – 5/4/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et. al. – Day 7 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• Robert Howard, was with Charles Jones
  • Knew Charles Jones since they were children and grew up in the same neighborhood.
  • Talked about his criminal past and current jail appearance.
  • Denied knowing Isaiah Chance but said he knew Rashad Murphy; he knew Chance only as “Gutta.”
  • Talked about the Instagram beef between Charles Jones and the defendants.
  • Detailed the shooting and the aftermath, including seeing social media posts talking about the shooting.
  • WATCH: Julio Foolio’s Friend Breaks Down Online Beef Before and After Tragedy
• Detective Matthew Jones, gang unit
  • Investigated the murder of Charles Jones.
  • Met with Robert Howard.
  • Testified to the photo lineup he provided for the suspects.
• Molly Carter, Senior crime laboratory analyst
  • Tested items related to this case, including the non-adhesive side of tape from a rifle. The results showed a mixture consistent with DNA contributions from at least four individuals, including one major contributor identified as Sean Gathright.
• Det. Juan Ramos was recalled to the stand.
  • Went through phone data before Jones’ murder for Davion Murphy.
  • Testified to Instagram posts before and after Jones’ death.

DAY 6 – 4/30/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 6 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• Officer Justin Legg, Tampa Police Department
  • Responded to the hotel shooting scene and then went to AdventHealth hospital to follow up with victims. There, he encountered a man identified as Taifa McCray and took possession of a firearm from him.
  • Made contact with a female victim who had a gunshot wound to her arm and was too distraught to give a full statement.
  • McCray cooperated when asked about the gun and directed officers to the location of his vehicle, which was later processed by police.
• Carrie Lynn Calderaro, crime scene technician
  • Went to Tampa General Hospital to photograph victims.
    • Documented the condition of Xavier Edwards, who was seriously injured and bandaged.
    • Documented the condition of Gino Norris.
  • Went to an apartment complex on Gates Drive, where she processed a black Nissan vehicle connected to the case. Documented extensive damage to the car, including bullet holes, broken glass, and other impact damage, and found what appeared to be blood inside the vehicle.
  • Swabbed multiple areas for DNA and collected additional items for testing.
  • No shell casings were found inside the vehicle, suggesting the weapon was not fired from inside the car.
  • Obtained a voluntary DNA sample from Taifa McCray for comparison purposes.
• Diana Grace Serra, University of South Florida Police Department
  • A car pulled up at high speed with three people — two women and a man — jumping out, screaming about a shooting.
  • The three got back into their car and officers followed them to a nearby hotel where the scene unfolded.
  • Helped secure the area and encountered a distraught woman who said her boyfriend was still inside a black Dodge Charger.
    • Officers found the man matching the description, showing no signs of life.
  • A visible blood trail led away from the car to the hotel.
• Geraldine Nunez Martinez, Tampa Police Department crime scene technician
  • Took over processing a black Nissan Altima, documenting the vehicle extensively, photographing and marking bullet impacts both inside and outside the car.
  • Projectile fragments, damage consistent with gunfire and visible red stains consistent with blood were found.
  • Collected fragments from the interior, including pieces embedded in surfaces like the radio screen and seats, and ultimately recovered a firearm from the trunk.
  • Participated in executing a search warrant at a police impound lot, where a black Dodge Charger had been secured.
    • Noted damage, red stains inside and personal items like shoes, a wallet and cellphones.
    • Collected additional evidence from inside the Charger at the direction of detectives.
  • Responded to a nearby hotel room at a LaQuinta, where she photographed and collected projectile fragments and a bullet found inside an otherwise empty room.
• Detective Craig Griffin
  • Helped stop a gold Toyota 4Runner after receiving information that it may be connected to a shooting investigation. The driver, identified as Sean Gathright, was initially hesitant but ultimately complied with officers’ commands and was removed from the vehicle.
  • During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered a Glock 9mm handgun in the center console and a bag with loose ammunition, magazines and firearm parts in the back seat.
  • A search warrant was served at a residence linked to Isaiah Chance, where Alicia Andrews was present.
  • Defense emphasized that Gathright was not trying to flee, that he complied after initial hesitation and clarified that the vehicle search uncovered the firearm and large amounts of ammunition.
  • Confirmed that the evidence found in the car provided probable cause for Gathright’s arrest and that he was taken into custody that day.
• Summer Dees, Crime scene detective
  • Oricessed a residence at Victoria Lakes during the execution of a search warrant in June 2024.
  • Photographed and collected various evidence, including multiple firearms, ammunition of various calibers, magazines and tactical gear found throughout the home (including in a bedroom safe and the kitchen sink).
  • All items were documented before being collected for forensic testing.
• Det. Daniel J. Wilson, Jacksonville Police
  • Responded to a “person shot” investigation in October 2023 in Duval County.
  • Found approximately 16 .223 caliber rifle shell casings at the scene and documented additional evidence, including a damaged vehicle struck by bullets and nearby residences that were hit.
  • Collected and preserved ballistics evidence, photographed injuries and recovered fragments from a victim’s vehicle.
  • Responded to a hospital, where he documented the victim and collected additional projectile fragments from the victim’s car.
• Detective Steve Johnson
  • Assisted with executing search warrants and processing multiple crime scenes tied to the shooting investigation.
  • Photographed vehicles and a residence before collecting evidence that included firearms, ammunition, shell casings, cellphones and other items of potential evidentiary value.
  • Found significant amounts of gun-related materials in both a vehicle and a home and followed standard procedures to document and preserve them.
• Noah Reilly, Medical examiner
  • Examined Charles Jones after the June 2024 shooting. Jones suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including a fatal shot to the chest that passed through his heart, lungs and aorta, causing rapid blood loss and death.
  • Additional wounds to the back and other areas showed bullet paths and shrapnel injuries, some consistent with projectiles passing through glass.
  • Concluded the cause of death was gunshot wounds and the manner of death was homicide. The injuries matched a scenario where Jones was shot while inside a vehicle and attempting to move or take cover.
• Officer Cory Scheidegg, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Received an alert from the Tampa Police Department to look for a black Chevy Impala connected to the case.
  • Found the vehicle at a home in Auburndale; watched it leave the driveway and conducted a traffic stop a short distance away.
  • The driver, identified as Lorna Allen, was cooperative.
  • The car was towed to a secure location so a search warrant could be executed.
• Det. David Alverson, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Responded to an alert for a black Chevy Impala connected to a Tampa homicide investigation.
  • Traced the vehicle to an address in Auburndale, where they located it, conducted surveillance and ultimately performed a traffic stop.

DAY 5 – 4/29/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 5 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• Det. Christopher Drabek returned to the stand.
  • Testified that Murphy was taken into custody by SWAT after a long standoff, and was then interviewed for 1.5-2 hours after being read his Miranda rights.
    • During the interview, Murphy initially denied key details (like being in Tampa or booking an Airbnb), but began changing his story as detectives confronted him with evidence, including cellphone records.
    • Murphy appeared to switch hands when writing during the interview, which stood out because surveillance footage showed the gunman using his left hand.
  • Identified social media accounts posting content that he interpreted as celebrating Jones’ death and shared that information with police in Tampa.
  • On cross-examination, the defense argued that those posts (which include emojis, sports images and vague captions) were ambiguous and could mean many different things.
  • The detective could not definitively link one of the key accounts (“ghost 187”) to Rashad Murphy, suggesting his conclusions were based more on interpretation and secondhand information than proof.
  • Testified about an investigation involving an Airbnb account linked to Rashad Murphy, who initially denied booking the Airbnb but later admitted going to the property and revised his story during questioning.
• Sathon Watcharama, Uber driver
  • Picked up three passengers from an Airbnb in Tampa on June 23, 2024.
  • Loaded multiple bags into his SUV and drove the passengers on a roughly three-hour trip to Jacksonville.
  • Identified the passengers as a man in the front seat who mostly slept and a man and a woman in the back. He said the same people stayed in the vehicle for the entire trip.
  • Provided the police with ride records and identified himself and the passengers in surveillance photos tied to the pickup and drop off.
• Alicia Kaufman, crime scene investigator
  • Processed a black Dodge Charger linked to the case.
  • The vehicle had bullet damage; she recovered a projectile from under the hood.
  • Documented damage inside the vehicle consistent with gunfire.
• Officer Bernardo Dejesus, Tampa Police Department
  • Responded to the homicide scene in June 2024; he arrived to find a victim inside a bullet-riddled car.
  • Gathered information from witnesses (many of whom were from Jacksonville) and contacted the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office for assistance in identifying connections.
  • Checked a nearby lounge for surveillance footage.
  • Testified to AR-15 and Glock systems and the types of ammunition recovered from the scene as well as how balistic evidence works.

DAY 4 – 4/28/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 4 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• Detective Juan Ramos returned to the stand.
  • Explained that surveillance footage and a garage/front door camera showed a silver BMW linked to Isaiah Chance repeatedly arriving at and leaving a residence tied to the investigation.
    • Individuals associated with the case were seen exiting the BMW, entering the home and later unloading items into the vehicle.
  • Talked about evidence linking Rashad Murphy and others to the homicide investigation.
  • Defense questioning focused on weaknesses in the case, including a lack of visual identification and no forensic confirmation from clothing and DNA.
  • Detective acknowledged gaps in the investigation, including no search wrrants for Murphy’s home and uncertainty about who used digital accounts, including one for Airbnb.
• Detective Christopher Drabek, Jacksonville Police Department gang unit
  • Monitors gang activity, especially on social media, as part of his job in the gang unit.
  • Unit was already tracking posts from Charles Jones, who was associated with 6 Block, and was aware of the planned birthday trip to Tampa.
  • Preserved social media evidence, including a recorded Twitter Spaces argument between Jones and Chance, which showed ongoing tensions and threats between rival groups leading up to the homicide.
  • WATCH: Julio Foolio Murder Case: Heated X Feud Erupted Before Deadly Shooting

DAY 3 – 4/27/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 3 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• Det. Richard Needer returned to the stand.
  • Agreed that “drill rap” videos are often about trolling, disrespect and clout, not actual confessions. He agreed that just because someone raps about a killing, it doesn’t mean they committed it.
  • Defense highlighted that Charles Jones had many enemies due to his gang ties and online behavior, suggesting multiple potential suspects and motives. They also pointed out that several shootings tied to the gang fued remain unsolved, weakening any direct link between lyrics and real crimes.
  • Attorneys repeatedly emphasized the detective’s knowledge came from social media, prior files and interpretation, not firsthand involvement in the crimes.
  • Questioned the detective’s methods, especially how he interpreted lyrics, to suggest his conclusions were subjective.
  • Some defendants mentioned in the case were not known gang members; the detective admitted he had never heard of at least one of them before this investigation.
  • Prosecutors clarified that the detective did not alter lyrics, only corrected obvious transcription errors and that he uses training, experience and context to interpret gang-related content.
  • WATCH: Defense Ties Julio Foolio’s Case to Rivalries and ‘Enemies’ in Testimony
• Officer Jael Bahamundi, Jacksonville Police Dept.
  • Helped track down and arrest Rashad Murphy using a license plate reader alert tied to a vehicle connected to a felony in Tampa.
  • Officers located the car at a hotel; when Murphy got out and saw police with guns drawn, he ran, leading to a foot chase.
  • Testified that he deployed a taser twice. After the first attempt failed, the second succeeded in incapacitating Rashad Murphy.
  • A probe struck Rashad Murphy in his genitals unintentionally.
  • WATCH: Bodycam Captures Tense Arrest of Suspect Tied to Julio Foolio Killing
• Detective Angela Carter, Jacksonville Police Dept.
  • Responded to Baymont Hotel scene and was involved in the follow-up investigation tied to Rashad Murphy’s arrest.
  • A cellphone found in the suspect vehicle was actively running a maps app and later contained significant digital evidence, including social media content, images and messages extracted with a warrant.
  • Reviewed and documented items from the phone, including references to Charles Jones, an AR-style rifle photo, identification images and an Airbnb booking.
• Det. Taylor Kline
  • Tracked suspects’ phone and movements using cellphone location data.
  • Surveillance footage showed a silver Chevy Cruze (a key suspect vehicle) going through a McDonald’s drive-thru with at least two people inside.
  • Additional footage from a nearby strip mall and club help map out movements leading up to the crime, though timestamps on videos had to be corrected and the exact number of people in the car could not be confirmed.
  • Admitted that cellphone location data isn’t exact and can have wide margins of error.
• Det. Juan Ramos
  • Walked the jury through screenshots and records from Charles Jones’ Instagram account, explaining that the posts were part of his “stories” leading up to the night of the homicide.
  • Identified multiple videos and posts advertising a pool party and an Airbnb gathering.
  • One of the later stories showed the Truth 18 location.
  • Screen-recorded the Instagram story on June 23, 2024, and later obtained official records from Instagram that matched what he viewed.
    • WATCH: Julio Foolio’s Last Instagram Posts Shown in Court Before Fatal Shooting
  • Reviewed and compiled surveillance footage, social media posts and pole camera video tied to multiple locations in the investigation.
  • Confirmed a silver Chevy Cruze and other suspect vehicles appeared in the footage around the same time the victim was present at those locations.
  • Mapped the victim’s movements and suspects’ vehicles across different scenes, showing coordinated activity leading up to the homicide.
  • WATCH: Defendant Admits To Being in Tampa, Denies Involvement in Julio Foolio’s Murder

DAY 2 – 4/23/26

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 2 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
• David Alverson, Homicide Detective
  • Detailed the forensic processing of a homicide scene where 31 9mm shell casings and various projectile fragments were recovered, linking the gunfire to three shooters and two suspect vehicles (a Chevrolet Impala and a Chevrolet Cruze).
  • Investigators used Tesla’s “Sentry Mode” and hotel surveillance footage to track the shooters’ movements, noting that the concussion from a rifle fired by a third shooter was powerful enough to trigger a nearby car’s alarm.
  • Explained the path of the victim’s Dodge Charger, which fled under fire before coming to a stop with the victim found in a defensive position inside.
  • Evidence of widespread property damage was documented, including bullet strikes in occupied hotel rooms and several bystander vehicles.
• Two witnesses who knew Charles Jones but did not want their identities disclosed testified that they traveled to Tampa from Jacksonville for his birthday celebration.
• Camilla Bentley, Shooting victim
  • Was in Tampa for a girls’ trip and ended up at Airbnb parties and clubs with Charles Jones’ group through a friend.
  • While sitting in a car at the hotel, gunfire suddenly erupted. She narrowly escaped by driving away in the chaos.
  • She was shot in the right arm during the attack.
  • Never saw the shooters.
  • WATCH: Girls Trip Nightmare: Witness Recalls Getting Shot in Julio Foolio Shooting
• Audra Agramante, Hotel guest
  • Was staying at a Tampa hotel with her husband and her daughter’s boyfriend while helping her daughter move into the University of South Florida.
  • Awakened by loud popping sounds, they realized they were gunshots.
  • A bullet struck their hotel room window.
  • Immediately called 911, the hotel and campus police out of fear.
• Officer Craig Douglas, Tampa Police Department
  • Responded to the Home 2 Suites around 6 am on June 23, 2024, after a reported homicide to help process the crime scene.
  • Checked for surveillance footage and shell casings.
  • There was a Tesla in the parking lot near where the shooting occurred and helped identify its owner.
  • Saw damage in hotel rooms consistent with gunfire.
• Pablo Gabor, Hotel guest
  • Was visiting Tampa with his family and staying at a hotel near the University of South Florida when they were awakened by loud explosion-like noises that he thought could be a bomb.
  • The children panicked and were crying.
  • Gabor’s wife felt pain in her leg and had what appeared to be a burn.
  • His son discovered a small piece of metal and a burned spot on the bedding, which they believed came from the incident.
• Aaliyah Albritton, Witnessed shooting
  • Traveled to Tampa for a weekend birthday celebration involving Airbnb parties and club outings tied to Charles Jones.
  • The group later went to a hotel, where she went inside and heard multiple “boom” sounds she believed were gunshots.
  • After the incident, she left the area and avoided the police due to being on probation.
• Officer Yanni Hansas, Tampa Police Department
  • Responded to a LaQuinta Hotel on June 23, 2024, for a report of bullet holes linked to a nearby shooting investigation.
  • Documented the scene.
  • Bullet traveled through an exterior AC unit and into the room, where it damaged bedding and left debris consistent with the bullet’s path.
• Det. Travis Oliver, Jacksonville Police Dept.
  • Testified to a 2019 homicide investigation involving 17-year-old Adrian Gaynor, who was shot multiple times on the city’s north side.
  • Shooting was later determined to have probable gang involvement and involved coordination with the department’s gang unit.
  • The case recently resulted in a plea by Hakeem Robinson for Gaynor’s murder.
• Det. Richard Needer, Jacksonville Police Dept.
  • Testified to his background in the gang investigations unit.
  • Gangs in Jacksonville are identified under Florida Statute 874
  • Local groups such as ATK, 1200 and 6 Block have rivalries and alliances; investigators track them using social media posts, music videos and field intelligence.

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.