Defendants in Julio Foolio murder case held without bail in Central Florida

Three Central Florida defendants in the Julio Foolio murder case — which involved the shooting death of rapper Charles Jones — are being held without bail pending trial.

Prosecutors successfully argued that Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright and Alicia Andrews continued to pose a danger to the community after they, along with two other defendants, plotted to murder the popular rapper, also known by his stage name “Julio Foolio.” The judge ruled in favor of the prosecution.

Assistant District Attorney Michelle Doherty argued that Chance, Andrews and Gathright should not be granted bail because of their disregard for community safety and the risk of physical harm to other victims.

The defendants stalked the victim and his friends in several locations before ambushing and killing him in a hotel near the University of South Florida in June. Three other victims were also injured in the shootings.

Presiding Judge Christopher Sabella heard testimony from the lead investigator in the case about a mountain of evidence linking the three to the murder, including surveillance video of the shooting and text messages and location data showing a concerted effort to track Jones to an event in Tampa where he was to commit the crime.

“Each of the three defendants played a role in the ambush and brutal murder of Charles Jones,” said District Attorney Suzy Lopez. “The evidence of this coordinated attack is overwhelming, and our community is safer with them behind bars. Our prosecutors will continue to build a strong case toward a trial that will allow us to bring justice to the victims and their families.”

Two other defendants, Davion Murphy and Rashad Murphy, are also charged with murder in connection with the crime. Rashad Murphy was arrested in Jacksonville and is awaiting extradition to Hillsborough County. Davion Murphy remains at large.

Anyone with information that may assist in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Julio Foolio is asked to call Tampa Police at 813-231-6130 or Crimestoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-TIPS.